What a fantastic story. Amanda really opens up about her life and it is written with such honesty and openness that you cannot fail to be gripped and touched by what she went through .Starting from problems with her health as a child and then in later life when she has carved out a successful career she surcomes to an eating disorder it is a heartbreaking read at times but really does hit you hard .The struggles she has faced must have been physically and emotionally draining but she comes back fighting every time and there is so much love in thier little family I'm sure they can get through anything. A brilliant 5🌟read and I would give it more if I could and thank you for being so brave and sharing your story

Apart from a different geographical area,, this could be my story, like Amanda, I had two parents who encouraged us to be all we could and I can’t wasn’t accepted as an excuse but we were told time and time age that I can and I will was a better way to think. I cried and smiled reading this and thank you for being so brave to share your back story and it’s ups and downs., A must read for not only Amanda’s readers but for anyone who feels on the outside and is struggling to keep going.

I've read a lot of so say autobiographies and this is the best I've ever seen, The reason for this is that you can tell that the author actually wrote it themselves and it wasn't produced by a third party ghost writer. They're not trying to portray themselves as all sweetness so it avoids that saccharine feeling, it is just open, honest and really engaging.

Amanda usually writes fiction but I had also read 'The Boy Between' which was her first non-fiction. That too was a fantastic book but the subject matter in The Boy Between was quite dark so didn't allow for the humour that comes out in Women Like Us. Both were great, just different. It also leapt out at me that Women Like Us was very conversational so it was like having a coffee with a friend.

The descriptions of Amanda's childhood, the houses and interactions were fantastic.

The subtle and not so subtle addressing of issues really resonated with me; I identified with every emotion at some point during the book.

You quickly get immersed in the journey and I read it in a day without intending to. The author is very likeable and having read all of her books, following her social media posts and blog, I now feel that I have had a personal seat at her table and understand why she is able to produce such great emotional fiction.

Women Like Us is very much an uplifting, feelgood book and I certainly feel happier with myself having read it. I would definitely recommend every woman reads this book and the earlier in their life they do this, the more they will get out of the rest of it.

In short, a wonderful book and an easy 5 Stars. It's my book of the year already and if I could give it ten I would. I think it is going to help a lot of people.

Thank you #Netgalley for this advanced copy.

As there was no description for this book, I was not sure what to respect. I have read a few of Amanda's books so was interested in learning about her past in this memoir. This woman has experienced so much as a child, physical pain and endless surgeries. She had many struggles that she had to battle. She shares many personal stories and feelings, including her thoughts as a parent, daughter, wife, writer, etc. She shares her battle with weight and self confidence and how sitting at a computer all day could affect her life for better and for worse. So many struggles, but she keeps on going and fighting for herself and family.

I was a bit unsure at first, I didn't know what to expect. But later on I came to appreciate the book more. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

I have read a few novels by Amanda Prowse and, whilst she has a compelling style of writing, she is not a favorite of mine. She has gone through an enormous amount - sexual assault, multiple operations as a teenager for a painful pelvic condition, low self-esteem, food issues, miscarriage, suicidal son, cancer, etc., but she eventually tried her hand at writing which is what she always wanted to do, and has become very successful. She has also had many jobs, from cleaning to having her own business. However, in this memoir she obviously needed to explain what lead to her over eating to the extent that she became morbidly obese. It is well written but I found it unnecessarily detailed and too long.

You know when you read books, and you have that favourite author?
Then she goes and releases a memoir, and you just HAVE to read it because you are in awe of her?
That was me when I heard that Amanda Prowse was writing her story.
She has always come across as a true, down to earth, 'real' woman, who has had her fair share of struggles, including being an army wife, battling cancer, and how her family coped with the depression her son Josiah went through due to them both writing about it.
Yet, she has never been afraid to talk about these things.
I felt I already knew her.
But reading Women Like Us made me aware of how much I didn't know.
We all have a backstory, and it is that which moulds us to be the people we become.
Amanda Prowse has opened up about her life in a way that I feel will relate to many, many women out there.
Without wanting to give too much away, because I would urge anyone reading this to read the book themselves, Amanda's life has had huge amounts of love poured into it by her wonderful family and husband.
However, there have been events and situations that have tested her and almost broken her at times.
An undiagnosed medical condition, loss, abuse, miscarriages, and that overwhelming feeling of never being good enough or thin enough.
I read each chapter, and yes, there were times I smiled and laughed out loud. I'm as clumsy as Mrs Prowse and could relate to so many things she wrote.
My eyes moistened at other times, reading about some of the things Amanda had gone through.
Tears streamed down my cheeks as the realisation hit that some situations hit much closer to home than others. I've been there before, too, and maybe, I'm there right now.
And Amanda has come out of the other side, not necessarily unscathed, but a brighter, happier, more positive woman for it.
It takes a brave person to open up the way Amanda has, and I truly applaud her. I would be giving her the hugest of hugs right now if she was in front of me.
Amanda, thank goodness you managed to overcome the words of that English teacher, because where would I be without my Prowse books?

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I will be honest - Amanda Prowse’s name was familiar to me, but I didn’t know who she was (in fact, I thought she was an actress, not an author). So, saying that I went into this book completely blind - when there also wasn’t a description - is extremely accurate. I thought, from the title, this would be some short stories under the over-arching umbrella of stories about women - possibly about her or possibly about women in her life.

I enjoy autobiographies, though I also realize that they are written as we’d like our life story to be told and preserved. Every single person has a backstory and different ways of telling said story. Some people skirt around difficult times in their lives - Ms. Prowse does not do that in this book. At times, I found some of her emotional (yet real) angst a bit over the top, but I’m sure that at the time all those feelings were really what she felt. I wish that she’d detailed a bit more about her writing process - yes, she has a filing cabinet with stories in them, but even when saying she researched a topic, it’s just presented as “I researched it” opposed to explaining how or why; maybe this is more explained if I’d read the actual book and looked at Author’s Notes? But, that didn't seem to be the point of this book. I did like that she included a number of difficult stories trying to bring topics to light for discussion purposes, but at times I felt she went a bit on a bit too long (maybe too much trying to describe the situation repeatedly?).

If you have ever felt like you're never quite good enough and had worries about your appearance, your career, or any other aspects of your life, you need to read this book.

Women Like Us is a story of success and hope from the words of a very wise woman.

Amanda's voice is warm and so relatable, you cannot fail to feel both inspired and in awe as you gain access into her remarkable life.

I laughed and cried too many times to count while reading this candid memoir. It's a life changing read, and one I will be recommending to everyone. It needs to be on your tbr!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amanda Prowse is one of my favourite authors and I couldn’t wait to read her autobiography. What an honest told from the heart story it is.

Amanda is not only a best selling author but a really lovely genuine lady and this comes across in the pages of this personal book.

I could relate to many aspects of Amanda’s story. A lot of woman compare themselves to the shiny perfect life of others when in reality everyone has to face their own struggles and difficulties. Amanda so openly recounts her own struggles which I’m sure will help many other woman in similar situations.

I applaud Amanda for turning her life around, with the love of her husband and family and her own strength she is now enjoying the happiness she so readily gives to others through her wonderful writing. Amanda I loved you before Woman Like Us but now I have even more love and respect for you , I urge everyone to read this brilliant book it will pull at your heartstrings but also make you feel good and uplift you.

This is an honest memoir that has been written and lived by an amazing daughter,woman, mother, wife, friend and author..
I give Amanda Prowse so much credit for having the courage to share her life with the world. Not easy!
I am sure, as I did, that many readers will see parts of themselves in some of these chapters.
While reading, I stopped and thought "Wow, that's was me!" during many moments.
It is definitely a heartfelt, sad at times, happy at times, challenging, story that shows resilience and courage.

This memoir was well done!
I always enjoy Amanda Prowse's book!
Thank you to NeGalley and #Amazon Publishing UK for this ARC and allowing me to provide my review.

I received an ARC of Women Like Us, by Amanda Prowse. I just could not get into this book to even finish it. Too depressing.

Amanda Prowse has been my favourite author since she started writing, because of how she writes. I have loved all her books, have met her, and until reading this book, thought I knew her! What I didn't know, was how much in awe of her, and how much I now admire the woman she is !

Her life in this book is a "no holds barred" book. She is brutally honest, says it as it is and discloses what she has gone through, warts and all.

From her early years with her numerous operations in hospital. Her school days to her leaving home. Her relationship with food, friends, and moving homes, to her marrying the love of her life, and the trauma of helping her beloved son suffering with depression...this woman has suffered so much, but has painted on a smile, and carried on for her public / readers!

I laughed with her, I cried for her and I'm not ashamed to say, that I love this woman! Amanda, you are an incredible lady, and the strongest person I know!

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for my ARC copy, in return for an honest review.

What an honest, frank story.. I very rarely read autobiographies, but as Amanda Prowse is one of my favourite authors, it was never in doubt that I would read it. I think we all have preconceptions of people and this book just shows how wrong we can be. I'm in even more awe of Mandy now than I was before.

I have enjoyed quite a few of Amanda's books and many of them have spoken to me in a way that I can relate to. She seems to be able to get to the heart of an issue and show empathy for many problems women and families go through. Her subjects range from marriage break ups, eating disorders, depression and miscarriage. This memoir proves that she writes from the heart and no wonder she does such a good job.
Fascinating to read about her life story, the one thing I didn't know about was her difficult birth and the pelvic problems and surgery she suffered. Really well written and relatable.

I’ve heard of Amanda Prowse but have never read any of her books. I enjoyed this autobiography and she seems like a very down to earth person who would be fun to hang out with.

The health struggles she dealt with growing up were horrible. Thankfully, she had a loving family to help her through that. It was sweet how she talked about her parents and grandparents.

She always wanted to write books and finally made that happen which is quite an inspiration not to give up on your dreams.

Her weight issues show you no matter how successful you are, you can still have troubles. So happy her life is going well.

Very interesting book even if you’ve not read her books before. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

Amanda Prowse has written yet another masterpiece. "Women like us", had so many parts of me in there!
Mandy has written an honest memoir from the heart. We read through her trials and tribulations, where thankfully she has come out of the other side.
This book had me hooked from start to finish.

I fell in love with this author when I read my first book Anna, followed quickly by Theo….. then I bought every book she had written. Something just drew me to the way Amanda writes. Every story is unique and told in such a detailed and emotional way I imagined Amanda had some of these issues in her own life to be able to write so beautifully.
When I found out Amanda had written an autobiography I was so excited! I had to learn more about one of my favourite all time authors. Wow, I was blown away. To open herself up so much must of been terrifying. This time it wasn’t fiction it was her life story. Amanda your story will help so many people you are an inspiration. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a book. I truly love all of Amanda Prowses novels and this story of her life just blew me away. If made me laugh and cry in equal measure and so much of it brought back happy memories of my childhood and my family so thank you for making them all come alive again. As a curvy lady myself this book helped me feel good about myself again so thank you for that and thanks to your husband for giving you to space to finally write that book as they have given me so many happy hours reading them.

I really enjoyed this book, I loved hearing about how passionate Amanda has been about reading and writing from such a young age. I loved how honest she was from the very start about who she was and I loved that there was humour all the way through. There was a lot of heart break in the book which was difficult to read but also a lot of talk about the love of her family and passions which was lovely. There was so much relatable content and I really hope that this book helps people with their confidence and self esteem as the way Amanda talks about what helped herself was such an amazing read. Thank you to Amanda for being so honest about the highs and lows in her life and writing in such a captivating, honest and relatable way. I’m sure this book will inspire people in a number of positive ways 🙂

I am usually a fiction only kind of reader, it’s very rare I pick up non-fiction but after a recommendation from a friend, I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did.

This memoir was a rollercoaster to say the least, incredibly raw and real - the author really laid everything bare. It’s a story of real life, success, struggles and mainly hope for everything to come right in the end. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns, but I think that’s what makes it a really special read.

I don’t want to give too much away because it’s a book you just need to read, but some parts were so relatable you could just feel everything she was saying. The emotion is apparent right from the get go and it makes you laugh and want to cry along with her.

This memoir is hard hitting, inspiring and deeply personal. I cannot applaud Amanda enough for being so completely honest and frank about her life and experiences.

I love Amandas books as they are always written with love, emotion and from the heart. In this memoir we meet the woman behind the books and it is so interesting and surprising as I discovered that Amanda has had a challenging life. This is quite different to the life I imagined Authors to have, yet they are all normal people just with a fabulous talent for words, so I shouldnt have been surprised. The book made me realise that none of us are perfect and thats okay. Battles in life make us stronger and as long as we can accept who we are life can throw what it likes at us.
I saw Amanda at a book bloggers event years ago but didnt have the courage or confidence to say hello but through her stories and social media posts I know that she is a vibrant and honest person who is loved by many and hope that if we meet again I would be able to tell her this in person.
Keep on writing Mandy as I know you have many more fabulous stories in that great filing cabinet brain of yours.
My thanks to Net Galley and Publishers for the ARC of this book.

Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐔𝐬
Amanda Prowse
Memoir

Sʜᴏᴿᴛ Sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs

Amanda throws it all out there in her memoir Women Like Us. It is a story about the beauty and pain she experienced throughout her life.

Mʏ Tʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs

I can’t tell you how much I loved this memoir. Much of it felt like it was written about me. I clicked with her immediately.

The emotions she felt because she lacked confidence and was overweight could have come out of my own journal.

The author was open and honest about life’s not so special moments. Her life has been a journey full of ups and downs, and Amanda stresses that is normal.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to end. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Love Books Tours, the author, and the publisher for providing this ebook for me to review.

#Ad #Gifted #LoveBooksTours

The author put it all out on the table with her memoir. It was personally relatable for me in a number of ways and I know other women will be able to relate. I felt like she had been in my mind while reading the story. For women struggling, give this a try. There is hope we can be happy with ourselves.

I had the amazing privilege of getting to know Amanda when she was a guest on our podcast, Speaking LITerally back in February. I immediately loved her and connected with her. She was funny, grounded, and had the type of wisdom that everyone can learn from.

Much like that hour I spent with her discussing her career and her life, her book was full of brutal honesty. Even though the anxiety and self-doubt was discussed on air, she takes her time in really showing how and why she’s where she is in life. By the time I finished reading, Women Like Us, I loved her even more!

I’ll be honest, I’m not a big nonfiction reader and that includes memoirs. The only other memoir I’ve read is Michelle Obama’s Becoming, so this should be a big deal. Haha! Ok, not really, but I had an added interest. This is someone I have met and respect, someone who I have plans to stay up all night talking to and ice cream with when I make a trip to England. Apparently, I need to rethink the ice cream thing though based on the confession in the book. But I wanted to learn how she has become the person and author she is.

I’m not going to summarize her life or the book, just read it. There are four primary areas that the impact is felt: Mental Health, Self Love, Physical Illness/Medical Conditions, and Having a Plan B.

Overall, I thought it was a powerful book. One that is open and honest. With everything I already stated, Amanda does disclose how she finally got into writing and how she made her dream of becoming an author come true. The role the library played in her childhood in establishing her love of reading. She covers it all.

She really does lay her emotions out on the table and bears her soul. There were moments in the book where I felt ready to move on to the next piece to the story, but I honestly think that it is more me and my typical lack of interest in this genre than anything else.

If you enjoy memoirs, I can’t imagine you not liking this book, and it’ll probably be almost impossible to read it and not make some type of connection to Amanda’s story.

The writing is perfect in delivering her voice. After having spoken with her, I could actually hear her voice in my head at certain points of the book. It’s not easy to get a book published, I don’t think anyone is naïve enough to think it is, but it’s possible, and those who work for it will do it. This book shows how it just takes one person in one moment with one opportunity to make a childhood dream come true. I am still a fan of Mandy Prowse, and I can’t wait to make that trip to England to share an all nighter talking and laughing and crying about the lives we’ve led and lessons we’ve learned.

Where do I start? What words can I use which will do this amazing, honest, inspiring autobiography?

Amanda takes a no holds barred journey through her life. In 'The Boy Behind' we learned about the problems her son had with depression, and imagined that since he was feeling better Amanda's life was now wonderful. After all, she is living the dream on a large farm near Bristol, and jets around the world promoting her multi million selling books. However, is a warts and all account (or a poo and all 😂) account. Amanda's story shows that even when you get what you have dreamt of all your life, you have nothing without good health - yours and your family's. Amanda's book isn't just for the rich, the glamorous, the successful, it's for women like us.

The only thing that I disagreed with is where Amanda refers to her readers as strangers. However to her millions of fans around the world, we all already feel that Amanda is a friend. She and her husband always take the time to reply to her fans in her own down to earth fashion, and I challenge anyone to finish this book and not want to count Amanda as a friend.

This isn't just a well written, entertaining, and interesting book, it is a fascinating insight into addictive behaviour, and how to overcome it. A 'must read'.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4688125642

I love Amanda Prowse! Whenever I watch her on TV, she is beautiful, intelligent and I spend most of my time nodding along to what she is saying, thinking “This woman really knows people, she understands us.” Reading the first part of her book Women Like Us: A Memoir, even before Chapter One, I was relating to it all – yes, that’s me, I do that too, I’m that one at parties, she sees me, she knows me!
It helps that Amanda is around my age, we’re both women, we’re both writers, we’re both mothers. We’re even the same height! Right from the start, it feels like Amanda wrote this book for ME! It feels like we’re sitting chatting over coffee (or wine) and I keep wanting to join in the conversation and tell her I completely get where she’s coming from.
Amanda is best known for being the author of 28 novels, but although this is a memoir, it is just as engaging a read. We go through all the emotions with her as she grows up, having to endure ten operations between the ages of thirteen and eighteen to correct a congenital pelvic condition. I felt so sorry for her reading this section.
Amanda really puts herself on the page. Women Like Us is brutally honest, upsetting, emotional but also amazing, uplifting and most of all, relatable! While none of us have experienced everything Amanda has, there will be so much we have in common with her. I loved all the cultural references like Bunty and Jackie and idolising Debbie Harry. (Me too!) I also loved how reading was so important to her from childhood onwards (especially with the time she spent in hospital) and I was fascinated to hear about her writing ambitions and how long she had to fight against the feeling she wasn’t good enough to be a successful author.
Biographies and memoirs can sometimes be a bit dull, as it’s just one person’s life story (especially if you’re only twenty and the one thing you’ve done in your life is appearing on a reality show for ten minutes…) but this is NEVER dull, it’s a real page turner and I don’t say that about many memoirs. Because Amanda is a writer more than a “celeb”, the way she handles words is outstanding and you get swept up into her classy prose and hilarious self-deprecating wit.

a woman I am now irrevocably in awe of. This book just resonates everything about her. From her power, her humour, her passion, her love, her angst, her pain and her concerns as she talks us through the memoir of her life.

I feel like I know her, everytime I picked up this book it was like catching up with a friend over coffee as they tell you what's been going on. I laughed along with her jokes, cried over her losses and many times I caught myself with my hand on my chest thinking, me too, that's how I feel. An amazing memoir that leaves you feeling less alone in your own pain that life sometimed throws at you.

I am very open about my life struggles to anyone that knows me, or sometimes I overshare with people I've only just met then cringe at myself later like why did I give them my life story. But if this book had such a profound impact on me, I would love to imagine the impact it would have on an audience who like so many women around the world have experienced the many topics within this book who aren't as open as me with their struggles. How much less alone they will feel after reading this memoir knowing that it's not just a solitary feeling, whether it's with miscarriages, buying into toxic diet culture, struggling with eating disorders, breakdowns in marriage, and I have also experienced them all and was blown away by Amanda's openness in her writing.

If I was to ever have the pleasure of being able to sit down with Amanda, I don't know what I would ask her. This book covered everything and more. I feel like I know her so well.

Even if you don't think you can relate to it, I still beg of you to add this book to your wishlists, birthday list, christmas list or trust me and preorder it now.

This book has it all. And I was moved by something on at least every single page as I devoured it nightly. Showing me, and hopefully future readers that the ceiling doesn't have to be made out of concrete. Women like us can do it.

Amanda toots her horn loudly and proudly. And why shouldn't she, why shouldn't we all?

At the very start of the book I thought, this is me, well apart from I love ice cream and haven’t sold millions of books 😆 what an amazing woman. I’ve always loved Amanda’s book, but this one and the other she co-wrote with her son Josh, had left me with a greater appreciation of her. I never realised her struggles and I’m so glad that she has never given up.

I hate to admit that I've never previously read an Amanda Prowse book, but there was something about the title - Women Like Us, that I found appealing. I'm so glad I trusted my instinct.

Women Like Us is a raw, honest and emotional memoir. I loved the opening pages - they pulled me straight in, and I definitely felt on the same wavelength as Amanda, both people who contemplate how quickly they can leave an event to return home to pyjamas and a good book. I think I'm a little older than Amanda; however, some of her descriptions of her young life took me on an enjoyable nostalgic trip. These early descriptions made me laugh and reminded me of the strong women in my own family. It's been forever ago that I thought about celery being displayed in a beer glass with a handle, but yes, this was definitely a thing.

The book is one woman's personal journey and the things she has overcome. Some of these are heartbreaking and I believe will resonate with many women on many levels. The book's final part focuses on health and weight and Amanda's strategy to become healthier and lose weight. I say strategy because I hate the word battle - it feels like a fight and a struggle and something negative that you don't want to be involved in. Yet the way Amanda puts across her way of doing it makes it feel possible for anyone struggling in this area. And yes, I know because I've been there most of my adult life, trying to find the right balance. There's definitely a 'love yourself' message in the book. However, it's delivered in a personable, relatable way that makes you feel like you're listening to someone who understands and who has not only stood in your shoes but also walked a hundred miles in them.

This is an inspirational book and one I'm sure I'll buy for others when it gets published later this year. It's like sitting down with a friend you've reconnected with from your past and catching up on all the bits of their life you've missed. You'll laugh, cry, and come away feeling the world is full of women like us.

Thank you NetGalley for arc.

I absolutely love Amanda Prowse and was over the moon to receive her memoir and what an amazing woman and inspiration she is.

Fantastic read and would highly recommend. 5 stars.

I love Amanda Prowse books this was a little different from her normal writing as it was her memoir.

What a woman she is..

A great inspiration, level headed, hard working the list goes on.

A wonderful motivating read that’s not all easy reading.

Amanda I just want to give you a hug

If there is one thing I want everyone to take away from this review, that is to read this book. I highly, highly recommend it.
Funny, witty but a whole touch of life, Amanda Prowse opened herself up and took us through her memory lane. And it was written in such a light and a matter-of-fact tone that makes reading it such a breeze.
Yet don’t be fooled. It covered concerns and issues that women back in the 70s/80s faced yet in some aspects, still are facing now.
Just not to get lost in everything, this is her memoir. And she is a woman. But that does not deter the fact that it is relatable - might not be a whole chunk but it will still make one introspective.

Book out on 6 September, 2022.

I absolutely loved this book. I am a huge fan of Amanda and was thrilled to get to read. Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for chance to read and review this ARC.

Non Fiction, autobiographical books wouldn’t normally be my thing. Those I have read in the past have been audiobook.

However I must admit from the minute I started I felt ensconced in the authors world. This was a heart warming uplifting tale, tinged with sadness. Prowse tackles topics such as depression, miscarriage, love and loss and not necessarily in that order.

This is a no holes barred account, warts and all. Nothing is off limits and I find the honesty very refreshing. I’m not sure how often we all sit back and actually think about how far in life we’ve come and overcome so much. Women Like Us was a timely reminder that tough times make way for better times.

Due to be released September 6th I recommend you give it a read. It’s like food for the soul.

I have to say this was a great memoir. Amanda Prowse opens up and shares her life with us through her good times and bad. You will laugh and cry with her. I have read a few books by this author and she’s one of my favorites so I would like to say Thank You for sharing this Raw, emotional story with us.

Women Like Us~A Memoir~by Amanda Prowse

Releasing 9-6-22

Well-known author Amanda Prowse has written a memoir that goes deep into the feelings and emotions that for years kept her hidden and holding back on her life. Prowse, like so many girls and women, has struggled with who she really is, how she fits with the world, body image, does she say the right things, wear the right things...the insecurities so many of us face.

In her memoir, she takes these issues head on-any shares what she has learned along the way that has led to her happiness.

A book that we should all read for inspiration!

Well-done!

I was given this book to read and review. Thank you!

Amanda Prowse opens up and lets it flow. I hope this was a cathartic exercise in her recovery from food addiction. It reads very well. It is a memoir, but reads very much like one of her novels, studded with snark and personality, which helped with the flow of the book. It touches on mental illness, motherhood, womanhood, uncooperative bodies, food addiction and recovery, and relationships.
I'm loath to say that there was too much about the food part, as this is someone's life we're talking about, but the last third of the book did tend to be repetitive. However, it is important, honest reading for someone who is dealing with an addiction. Especially profound was comparing and differentiating between food addiction and a heroin addiction. A heroin addict doesn't get better by having just a dab of heroin to survive. They can't. However a person needs food to survive, and if you're dealing with a. food addiction, getting healthy is tough to navigate,

Reading this emotional and honest memoir, the reader can see why this author writes brilliant, heartfelt fictional stories. It's recollections of a life so far from an ordinary woman who never lost sight of her dream despite the physical and emotional setbacks. It's full of love and pain with underlying insecurity about fitting in and being good enough that so many of us can relate to.

Whilst the first part is poignant, the second half of the memoir is intimate and heartbreaking to read at times, but you keep turning the pages hoping that the author will find a way through her pain. The last part of the book is moving and motivational, and it resonates.

I enjoyed the honesty and the positivity of this memoir.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher.

#netgalley #womenlikeus publication date 06 SEP 2022
This is a memoir so it's not like Amanda's other books but it is still amazing, the pages turn themselves, I usually am not a fan of biographies but this is honest, emotional and very funny. Highly recommend 4/5 stars

Thank you to author Amanda and @lovebookstours for my gifted copy.

My thoughts: wow! What an raw, honest and simply stunning memoir that Amanda has gifted us. I hadn’t read any of her fiction titles but I knew I needed to read her story. I can relate to so much of what she battles through. Anxiety with food and struggling with acceptance has been tough for me as well and I felt that Amanda was reading my thoughts! I want to say thank you for being so brave to put your entire story out there for us to cheer you on and remind ourselves that we are enough and worth it.

Blurb —Women Like Us’ is my life story so far! It’s a raw, but I hope, inspiring account of my life lived as someone who always felt as if I was the odd one out. I had so many ideas, but felt hemmed in by class, lack of opportunity and my own low self-esteem. I didn’t ever see how I could get on in life. Growing up as a proper homebird and spending nights on the sofa with my wonderful, eccentric family, I felt as if the world was having a party to which I wasn’t invited, and it felt awful. The thought of writing a book felt like a dream, just out of reach, until aged forty-two I took the leap, and the rest is history. Now, ten years later and with over thirty books published, I decided it was time to tackle my greatest challenge – how I felt about myself, my overweight body and my ageing face. Having lived for years feeling that I wasn’t quite good enough, or that I didn’t quite fit, I finally learned the secrets of living a happy life and am sharing them with you now.

I have read a number of books by this author and I follow her blog so I knew a bit about her before I started reading the memoir. I’m normally more of a fiction reader but there was no way I wasn’t going to read this. Amanda has always come across as a warm, kind and caring person and this book confirms my feelings. What I didn’t know is some of the backstory, the fear of not being good enough, the overwhelming insecurity around a constant battle with her weight, something I can totally relate to.

Again I was aware of her family struggles with mental health issues. Her son Joshua suffered with serious depression and considered committing suicide, they wrote a book about this and continue to support others in a similar situation. But there have been a lot more traumas in her life - cancer, miscarriages, loss and more. All of which she has come to terms with and is now sitting (mostly) on the other side.

As expected the heart rending stories are countered with plenty of humour and hope; I don’t think Amanda is capable of being deceitful. She is an open book, warts and all. Like most of us her life has been full of ups and downs and as she says this is normal! Nobody enjoys a perfect life from the day they’re born. It’s normal to have bad times. It’s normal to have good times. What differentiates us is how we deal with them.

This was just a thoroughly good read which took me through a whole gamut of emotions from despair to hope, sadness to joy. If you want to read a book that encompasses all these emotions and much much more I recommend you read this. I’m so glad I did ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lovely and real. This book is for all women. Don't miss this one.

Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

Women Like Us by Amanda Prowse

Amanda has wrote many wonderful books over a long career and long may it last. A fab writer of fiction.
But here we have her autobiography , and what another great book it is !
A frank , honest , at times harrowing due to the subject matter ( which I'm sure will hit a nerves for many ) but still very readable and relatable for I'm sure many of her fans.
Thank you for sharing.

Such a fantastic read. This is a book telling you of the life of the author Amanda Prowse and what she went through from being a young girl to where she is now. This book will have you engrossed from page 1, you will cry, laugh, be happy and sad all within a few chapters.

A stunningly-candid, painfully-beautiful memoir of one incredibly successful woman’s journey, a microcosm of joy and trauma, peeled back in the spirit of illuminating, exposing, and ultimately revealing hidden truths that just may resonate as some of the kindest and most caring hard-earned learnings “women like us” need to hear, and more importantly, share with each other.

We are good enough.

Regardless of what is increasingly experienced on social media - intrinsic value (popularity, self-worth, acceptance, - really anything that matters ) does not hinge on beauty, youth, or the size of your thighs.

We have the tools already, if we look for them, for a healthier relationship with our bodies, our mindset, our experiences, - and most of all, a deeper love and appreciation for our core and most tender selves.

In this starkly-authentic expose, Amanda Prowse, (an author who was charmed the world with dozens of best-selling books, a world-wide presence, and a devotedly grateful readership) surrounded by her loving family and all the physical trappings of success, opens her heart to the reader, shedding light on battles beginning early in childhood and climaxing in middle age, triggering painful emotional crises with self-esteem, a toxic relationship with food, and a life held needlessly on a wretched and self-imposed leash.

“In order to know where you’re going, you need to know where you’ve come from. “

As Amanda traces her roots, right down to the the important and the impactful, (and Mandy really has seen it all - from horrific medical trauma, to achingly-tragic missed births, cancer, sexual assault, battles with alcohol, misogyny, grief, and familial mental illness) - she opens the coffers wide - her story made clearer, both to the reader, and in aid of her own deeper awakening.

I loved this book, - loved the courage, the story, the candor and the grace, most of all - in the heart-laid-bare acknowledgement that all of us women, suffer, some more than others, with our own self-internalized value, body-image, and “femininity”, in a society that, while making some progress, continues to marginalize the softer, the “weaker”, and most of all, the vulnerable.

A wonderful heart-tugging read, this book and it’s touching and ultimately deeply-inspiring message, will change you, as it did this reader - taking us perhaps one step closer to a world where each of us can look ourselves in the eyes with the same warm and unconditional love we often have no trouble sharing with others.

A great big thank you to the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.

If you have ever felt like you're not good enough, whether it's because of your appearance, career, or any other aspect of your life, this book is for you. Women Like Us is Amanda Prowse's Memoir; unlike her usual fiction, this is about her life and experiences.

I have been working through Amanda Prowse's backlog of books but have read all of her more recent books and reviewed them, which I will link at the bottom. So this was a super easy choice. What brings a person to write, and where does she find her inspiration? I also love the idea of becoming an author, so it was a great start to thinking of that journey.

Women Like Us is a story of success and of hope but not without its trials, especially the first hurdle to becoming an author in the first place, the massive number of rejections from publishers (who must be cursing themselves now she has written so many books!). However, Amanda has a unique voice, warm and personable; you can easily relate to her experiences. This is not a dark tale of woe, though. The love shown by her family is immense, and her journey remarkable.

Amanda is a down to earth, 'real' woman who shares her struggles through life, from being an army wife to her battles with cancer (yes, two of them) and how her family coped wither son Josh's depression. This also focuses a lot on her struggles with her weight, from being underweight, average weight and overweight and the efforts that each has bought.

While her life may be excellent and a dream in many ways, this book also shows that not everything has been so easy. She has lived through many trials and tribulations, some of which have almost broken her. Medical conditions, multiple surgeries, loss, abuse, and multiple miscarriages.

I applaud anyone who writes their own story for the whole world to read, but this one is a candid and raw review of her life. Amanda deserves an extra big hug for this one, and thank goodness that she overcame the words of the stilted teacher, who must have no dreams of her own and shouldn't be inflicted on small children, because where would we be without the beautiful words of Amanda Prowse? If she is still around, I like to bet that she has read at least one of Amanda's books and regrets those words and now encourages everyone to follow their dreams, whatever they might be.

I don't want to write too much because I don't want to ruin the book for anyone else, and I think it's a great book that so many women will relate to so easily. I love the 'new' Amanda who has come out of the other side. Now, if only she would share more of her new food regime for us to follow…

I enjoyed this well-written memoir, though I did find it a bit long at times, but I appreciate that Amanda Prowse wanted to give us the full picture, which may be very encouraging to women who find themselves struggling in life. Basically, she's proven that -with support, which one must accept- most people can overcome in life.

I would recommend this book to women over 40. I don't know if I would have appreciated the author's struggles in my younger adult years.

I received a complimentary digital reviewer's copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley.

I’ve read all Amanda’s books and loved each one including this one. Although very different as it’s an autobiography it’s very real and down to earth and funny in places. Amanda has been very vulnerable writing this book which helped me to relate and by the end it helped me understand some of my own eating issues. When someone is as honest as Amanda has been all that’s left to say is Thank You from a woman like you. Thanks also to your publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Much as I love Amanda's fiction, unfortunately this book isn't for me. I've read 66% of the book but to be honest I'm finding it all a bit of a toil now, so will leave it at that. There is no point in me carrying on with it because I'm not enjoying it and won't be leaving a review anywhere other than here. It's regrettable, but we're all different and there are lots of 5 star reviews from people for whom the book obviously has struck a chord.

I love a good memoir but sometimes dislike that everyone writes memoirs these days that can be somewhat dark and depressing and I struggle to read them.

This book I found to be a bit like that, it is a bit drama queen like in parts but she did bring many current topics to light which for most is a good thing. But it is very depressing and sometimes I felt like she could only see the bad things in life and not the good which I find sad. There is always good things in life.

I must say I did skip through a bit of this book but I did finish it.

An enjoyable, fascinating and inspirational memoir from this wonderful author. I love her books and this one is just fabulous! Her honesty makes this an emotional and uplifting read. 5 stars!

I loved this book!! I follow Amanda Prowse on social media and have always enjoyed and related well to her candid way of writing about her own life.
I related to the book right from the start, and I think that the prologue alone will have lots of women feeling a connection to the book from that point. That was a well thought out and well written beginning and Amanda was clever to have written something to book people in from the start. But she is a well respected author, so she knows how to capture her audience.
I found it almost a cathartic experience in places, feeling perhaps less isolated reading words and sentences that she could have taken straight out of my head.
In short, this is a great memoir, well written and it had me both laughing and crying, which is always a sign of a good book for me.
I highly recommend this book.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Amanda Prowse writes the story of her own life and how she has struggled with achieving her long term goal of being a writer. A brilliant insight to her life and struggles that I could relate to.

Brilliant read.

Truly candid memoir that really made me think about my struggles with self-esteem. Sometimes you need to forge your own path and be kind to yourself.

Amanda Prowse has done it again. This sensational memoir talks about a real woman who has had her fair share of struggles in life just like anyone else. From being an army wife, miscarriages, battling cancer, and much more, Amanda continued to fight those fights, even though some seem to be too big to fight at the time. This book will make you smile, laugh, and cry. Amanda is a wonderful author and this memoir is absolutely wonderful. I would highly recommend checking it out.

An exquisite memoir that helped me see through the cracks of my self-esteem. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I recommend this book to everyone in need of a break or advive. Sometimes you need to take it easy on yourself. Acceptance and love are they key to self-appreciation.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a great book! Amanda Prowse writes with honesty and emotion. There were parts that made me laugh, cringe, sad, etc. A lot of this book was really relatable and I think most women would relate to some of the issues she writes about.

What a read!
Reading this book about someone else's life and seeing parts of your life reflected in it just makes it even better.
I loved every word of this book. I found myself agreeing with so much and found so much common ground.
I have loved every book by Ms Amanda Prowse that I have read, and this is not an exception.
This book should be compulsory reading for every woman - a reminder that we are not in a race with each other, to remind us its what inside that counts; to remember we recall actions of the people we love, not what they looked like.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to read this book.

Women Like Us by Amanda Prowse

A memoir from one of the most prolific writers in the UK, Amanda Prowse. I must have been living under a rock as I had no idea who Amanda was, although Goodreads tells me I've read some of her books and loved them! So I had no preconceptions going into the book and WOW... read it in a day and couldn't put it down! Loved Amanda's voice and idenitified with SO much that she has experienced - I feel seen as the kids say.... I'll be buying a lovely copy of this when it comes out and I only do that for the very best of the ARCs I read. Very VERY highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

Okay, full disclosure, I have read ten of the twenty-five books that Amanda Prowse has written - I have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Her last two books have been amazing including this one: WOMEN LIKE US.

This book made me realize that there ARE women like me out there with the same family issues, personal challenges, and life problems, But this book was the BRILLIANT pep-talk I needed to get my crap together. Seriously. If Mandy can do it, I can do it because I want to do better, feel better, and be better!.

Many of the things that Mandy writes about in this book are issues that I could have written about (self-esteem, comparison to others, being a wallflower at parties, and much more - so much more). My favorite bit of the book is when she talks about her extended family which I was also so fortunate to have in my life also (although, it was my great-grandmothers, not grandmothers who were around for so long). This created our resilience, strength, and our pulling up our big-girl panties ethic. I miss them all so much and wish that I had learned to cook from them just like Mandy does, but we did eat their amazing food!!

The biggest issue that she discusses is weight and food. This has been an ongoing issue for me for years. I have tried to find the triggers, but I don't think that I ever will. I stuff my feelings to quell that pain that I felt about things that I had NO CONTROL OVER! My goal now is to take baby steps and eat better to be healthier, not thinner. I want to be around to see my grandchildren someday and be able to chase them around easily.

This book is beautifully written just like all of her books are. But THIS book and her previous book written with her son, Josiah, have touched me so very deeply. This is a book that makes you think, feel (yes, I cried a few times), and understand more about this amazing author while learning more about yourself!!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! A must for anyone who loves Amanda Prowse novels!!

I love Amanda's books and her "tangerine" posts so I was excited to read these memoirs.
Having not read many autobiographies I didn't know what to expect from this, but this book is so honest, no sugar coating at all, Amanda comes across as so relatable, the ideal best friend every woman should have, she's been through so much in her life and this is all laid bare throughout the book. I laughed and cried all the way through.
For the woman who's been low, for the woman who doesn't feel good enough this book is for us all, proof that whatever life throws we are capable of rising above it and coming out the other side. Kudos to Amanda for writing this

Powerful ... raw ... honest ... sad ... funny!

I cried, I laughed but most of all my heart went out to this wonderful author (I have read many of her books) for being so honest about herself and her struggles.

You never know what's happening behind closed doors?!

You rock Amanda Prowse ❤️

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A,memoir by an author that details her struggles with her weight and relationships. It is amazing how much time we agonize over our bodies. I enjoyed the book.

Wow!!! What a fantastic read by one of my most very favourite authors, a memoir filled with honesty and openness, thank you for sharing your life with me, loved every page

A fabulous book!
We are given a very detailed insight into Amanda's life, the good the bad and the ugly.
So much of what she wrote i found so relatable.
Thank you Amanda your story made me laugh and cry.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an early copy and i happily give my honest review.

Amanda has put her life story out there in the real world for everyone to scrutinise. She has been very honest and open about her life in this memoir and I think she has been very brave.
She makes very valid points about how we view other people by their looks, celebrity status, monetary value etc and then makes you think hard about how much we really don't know about a person from the brief glimpses we get from newspapers, social media posts, television appearances etc.
If you want to find out the real woman behind the fabulous writer then this book is a must for you.

I am a big fan of Amanda Prowse and have read most (if not all!) of her previous work. She’s a very talented writer and tackles some really deep subjects, producing thought provoking books. Which makes this book all the more impactful in that she lays her own life out there, showing the woman behind the stories. Emotive and entertaining, I really do recommend this book to anyone, whether you have read Amanda’s work before or not.

Yes we are all different but there is so much we also have in common. Fitting in, pretending we do, hiding our complexities, body confidence issues, self sabotage, imposter syndrome. Jealousy.

I sped through this book empathising and loving reading about the clumsiness, confidence knocks, yearning for literary solitude, self sabotage, constantly evolving, trying to grasp life’s challenges, our comparative nature and trying to focus on who we are and not who someone else is. This book is beautifully and openly written. I can’t help but feel that the more we lay ourselves open the more we can understand and connect, yet success and honesty is unfortunately often met with scrutiny and jealousy. Something we should collectively work on.

Another important reminder that what we see on the surface is rarely indicative of the truth of a perceived charmed life. Millions of books sold worldwide, check. Still figuring out life? Yup.

I really enjoyed this book, I enjoy a lot of Amanda Prowse writing so knew I would enjoy this read. Thank you so much

Wow what a woman! I just love Amanda prowse novels and this insight to the incredible lady was fantastic!

Every self-conscious, self-doubting woman should read this book.
Within a few pages I recognised myself in Amanda Prowse’s story, and the title ‘Woman like Us’ made absolute sense. An open and honest account of a fifty-somethings life; the marvellously mundane, the love, the pain, the passion and the self-sabotage. Her journey to self-acceptance is inspiring, her exhortation to ‘trust the process’ one I hope to follow. #WLU

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for approving me for this arc.

It was really interesting to read about this womens life and the stories and lessens she chooses to share with the world!

Loved this, getting to know the person behind the many much loved novels I have enjoyed over the years. I know a fair bit about Amanda Prowse, having been such an avid fan for so long, but to read about her childhood, her family & upbringing, just puts the jigsaw together and a wonderful insight into what makes her who she is! I found it sad at times, what she had to go through and what she suffered in terms of her self esteem, mostly brought on by the media and how she sees herself. I hope she knows how much of a truly wonderful person she is, how special and caring. She really is a ‘what you see is what you get’ person and you can’t help but love her for it! Keep doing what you do, you make the world a nicer place knowing we have the escapism of your books :)

In what had to be a giant leap of faith, Amanda Prowse gives us a complete window into her life. In her memoir she gives us all a compete look at the bare bones, from her early struggles with insecurity, of not being enough and her ongoing health issues that went undiscovered for years and then took years to repair and correct. An open and honest account, the good, the bad and the ugly.


As always, many thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review

When I think of women'sfiction, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and satisfies every book junkies' heart. This is a perfect book to snuggle up with on any day.

What a truly wonderful, heartbreaking, emotional, life affirming, funny and truly soul bearing book from one of my favourite authors! I only found Amanda Prowse in 2015 and since then have devoured every single book of hers as soon as they are published. She writes with such insight into normal lives dealing with extraordinary situations that I was intrigued to see how her autobiography fared, it certainly did not disappoint. Mrs Prowse is only a year older than me and her life and mine have some similarities, although I do not have her gift of words! This book only served to cement that I think she has a camera peering into my mind! The book was amusing and heartbreaking, sometimes in the same sentence but I could not put it down. It had me crying with sadness and crying with happiness, so I suggest anyone of a similar age keeps the tissues handy!

After every book of hers I read, I wonder how she is going to top it and I really don’t know how she will top this wonderful window into her life.

Received as an advanced copy from NetGalley to read. Thank you.

I feel like this memoir (mostly) could have been written about me. Constantly worrying about weight is something I found heartbreakingly relatable. I found it touching to be able to share this journey with Amanda and her family. It really is a heart wrenching look into the world of eating disorders, pain, and everything else in between. Must read for anyone who is a fan of memoirs. Amanda’s words will resonate for a long time after you read the last page.

As a woman of similar age this rang so many bells with me, it's rare to read a memoir so life affirming.

Beautifully written, this is a book for fans of Amanda Prowse or those yet to read one of her novels. Anyone who has battled body image, eating difficulties, self esteem problems, and there can't be many of us that haven't, will get something out of this, including a sense of recognition.

Highly recommended.

It was great to have an insight to Amanda’s life which confirms we are all different but have so many things in common as women. I have read Amanda Prowse novels and this book was equally as good. I think many women will engage with topics that are covered in this book. A great read!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

“How did someone I’d never met know what I was feeling? Because that was what these stories did: they made me feel.”

⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️ This…this…1,000 times this! This is what I love about Amanda Prowse’s fiction, and now she has written her memoir and I feel like we would be besties if we lived on the same continent.😊 Had we met in a library as children, I imagine us sitting on a beanbag together, nearly the same age, absorbed in our stories, not saying a word, but bonded for life over our love of books.

Amanda’s story is heartbreaking and honest and brave and uplifting and makes me want to be better for myself. She offers up her lifelong journey here, and I have to be honest, it took me a couple of weeks to get through it. It made me reflect on my own struggles. Sometimes it was hard—really hard—and I couldn’t bring myself to keep reading. I needed a break to really appreciate what I felt.

Even after I finished, I needed a couple of days to process it all. I normally jump right into my next book, and I didn’t open another one for a couple of days. (I know that may not sound like a long time, but for a reader, two days is an eternity.)

This memoir doesn’t hide anything, doesn’t sugar-coat. Amanda has put her whole self out there for her readers. I know now why she’s able to describe true grief so well like she did for Merrin in To Love and Be Loved. I understand how she made me feel the panic of something bad happening to a child in The Game. I can see how she so realistically captured Jacks’ feelings that life might have been different if she had made different choices in Perfect Daughter. (All books you should read, by the way.)

Amanda experienced all of it. It wasn’t exactly how she wrote the stories, obviously, but the emotions behind the experiences have fed her stories for years. And that’s how she’s able to make her readers feel so profoundly. I imagine every one of her books has been cathartic for her because the things she has experienced in her life…whew…I can’t even imagine.

She even graces us with her own self-esteem challenges. So many women (men too, but more women) struggle with their self-worth, defining themselves by how they think other people view them. Read that again…how they think other people view them. And Amanda made me think about how I feel about myself and my own challenges in this very moment.

Like Amanda, I have always loved to write. Like Amanda, I once thought I would love to write a book. But as much as I think it would be cool to write for a living, I know that I don’t want to spend my days writing novels. I write about myself in blog posts. People get snippets of me. But it took me two years from the time I decided I wanted to start a blog to actually start the blog. I am not a novelist.

Amanda is a novelist…and now she is a memoir-ist. And I am so grateful for it. She has lived such an incredible life. This book will save someone’s life. I know it.

She says, “Sometimes, the hardest and bravest thing we can do is remain upright when every fibre of our being is pulling us down.”

Thank you, Amanda, for remaining upright…and for sharing with a world full of strangers everything that tried to pull you down.

Amanda’s professional career as a writer has been achieved only in the last decade. Yet the millions of copies sold, the titles she has published, the stories she has shared… feel like they’ve been around forever. Her memoir brings her writing life, trials and celebrations, together in the pages of one book. But it also brings something else. Amanda’s lifetime to date.

You may think you know Amanda from the stories that she writes, because of the realities that she chooses to write into fiction, often inspired by her own experiences. You may think that you know Amanda because of the memoir that she co-wrote with her son, a beautiful, honest book, that has helped so many people. These are only fractions of Amanda Prowse, though, and this book… this book is everything else. Everything in between. The anguish behind that beautiful smile, the fear behind those wonderfully written words. Everything that hides behind the brave expression is laid bare in this book and you will laugh. And you will cry. And, at points, maybe one or maybe a hundred, you’ll say, ‘Me too.’

There are pieces of thousands of us within the pages of Amanda’s book, but never has someone so honestly and openly written them all down like this. It’s raw, it’s real and it is emotional. It is a woman, like us.

Oh my goodness, I loved Amanda Prowse before reading this, and now I’m in awe even more now I have read her own story!
Such a strong woman! Her emotional based books show how emphatic she is and now I can see why. Brutally honest, you can imagine how she can create the family dramas by looking at her own life.
So uplifting too, you really feel that you have had a glimpse of her and understand her processes with her writing.
Just amazing

Fascinating autobiography.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a very honest autobiography from a very genuine and lovely person. I had never read ner books but while reading this I did for the first time and can see that that open and caring style comes across in her fiction also. I believe she is a TV personality and I can see why - she comes across so open and honest I envy anyone who has her as a friend. A lovely read if you don't know her or her work but must be a particular treat for her fans. Highly recommend!

Amanda is one of my favourite authors & I can’t recommend this book highly enough! I loved reading her story. Such a lovely lady.

Amanda Prowse is such a well known author so when I saw this book on netgalley read now section, I had to get it! My initial hope for this book was that it would give me some insight into how she got into writing as I’m fascinated by how authors come up with so many fantastic ideas and how they are disciplined enough to write it all out.

Amanda talks about how a teacher reacted negatively to her expressing she would like to write and I love that, even though she has held onto it, she doesn’t seem to be bitter, just matter of fact knowing what she has now achieved.

She has had to deal with a lot throughout her life, but one of the biggest things she’s talks about is her relationship with food and her body and how she has overcome it. Although I felt some of this could have been condensed a little (I skipped a few pages) i do believe this may help a lot of people who could relate to her and for that reason I would definitely recommend it.

Amanda Prowse is an author whose work I am aware of. I have some of her books on my TBR list but, to my embarrassment, I’ve not yet read them.​ But when it came to this audiobook tour, I admit I was intrigued. With such a successful career behind, and not doubt still in front of her, having the chance to learn a bit more about the woman behind the stories definitely appealed. 



Whether you are a long time fan of her writing, a woman just navigating life, or even dare I suggest, a man trying to better understand the fears of the women in your life, this is a book I think everyone should read. So much of this book I think you will either relate to or, at the very least, recognise in the faces and actions of the people you love. Because Amanda Prowse’s searingly and often emotionally honest memoir taps into some of the many feelings, concerns and moments of self doubt that I am certain many of us have suffered over our lives. Too many.



Taking listeners (and readers) from her early childhood years, growing in the circle of a wonderful family and some very strong matriarchal influences, through awkward teenage years that were blighted by health challenges (an understatement) and darker moments that were to shape her future self, she guides us through a life which is beset with successes, failures, love, loss and a constant, overwhelming sense of self-doubt and self loathing as she tried to find her perfect self, and largely succeeding in losing exactly that which she sought along the way.



It’s fair to say that Amanda Prowse has lived a rollercoaster existence and she brings this to life on the page in a narrative that really did speak to me, especially when she spoke of the struggle she had to conquer her weight and the body image problems she had suffered over the years. From starving herself in her teenage years, to the self-destructive over-eating that dominated her middle-age, post menopausal years, body-image, that constant, incessant, media fuelled utopia of the ‘perfect body’, informed her life in a way that almost destroyed it

.

I can relate. I may not have been through many of the challenges that the author has experienced, a broken marriage and the painful loss of successive miscarriages. I haven’t been in the position to know that kind of pain. But a childhood of being told I was ugly, became that self fulfilling prophecy of overeating, hiding behind being fat as a way to avoid people as ‘no-one wants to befriend the fatty.’ Everything that Amanda Prowse relays in this book, I could understand, the only difference being that she has her husband and that unconditional love of her family, something I’ve actively avoided. I think everyone needs a Simeon in their life. Not that the love of another is the be all and end all, but that unconditional support and understanding certainly helps on the road to accepting who you are.



There won’t be a single woman out there who won’t have stopped and looked in a mirror and wanted to be better, thinner, taller, prettier. Amanda Prowse captures that feeling in these pages, and in narrating the story herself gives it a weight (no pun intended) and emotional heart that really hits home. The book serves not necessarily as an answer to that eternal question ‘how can I be a better me’ but certainly, for those of us where weight yo-yos, both high and low, it certainly gives food for thought and a reminder that you are not alone.



Nobody is perfect. And really, who would want to be? Amanda Prowse has captured all of those imperfections, the self-criticism, anxiety and apprehension that forms a backdrop to too many of our lives. She acknowledges that obesity is every bit as much a mental health issue as anorexia or bulimia, and opens up the subject for discussion with a brutal self exploration and total honesty regaring her battle with her weight, and reminds us all that is is okay to be perfectly imperfect. A powerful and memorable read.

I love this author and reading about her life was spellbounding. Such a fantastic book.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book

This memoir got really close to my heart as I was able to relate to the author's family when she was growing up, got so crazy about books and reading, how the experiences and the people we meet during our developmental stages leave an impact on us for the rest of our lives.

Thank you, Amazon Publishing UK, for the advance reading copy.

I feel the writing is really, really awesome. It's brilliant. Of course, coming from a bestselling author it's meant to be. Easier said than done, the author might say!

At times I laughed out loud. The surgery YEEEEEEHAAAAA! will stay with me you know!
But most of the times, I was in love with everything else the author has to tell about her life as if it's someone else's story all over again.

Reading such memoirs gave me a lot to think about but I came to realise that even though we humans are miles apart, our lives are interconnected through similar experiences and the things we feel and go through.

Read this book. You will love it much more than any fiction.

I’d like to thank Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Women Like Us’ written by Amanda Prowse in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Amanda Prowse starts her memoir from the day of her birth in the East End Maternity Hospital in Stepney, telling of her loving family, her ‘clicky’ hips and ungainly walk that necessitates a number of operations to her pelvis, motherhood and lastly her health and obsession with food. Not forgetting, of course, her unique ability to keep thoughts of stories locked up until she finally fulfils her childhood dream and starts writing novels, becoming a best-selling author worldwide.

From the moment I picked up my first Amanda Prowse novel ‘Poppy Day’ in 2012 I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next one until I’d read everything she’d written, so when her memoir ‘Women Like Us’ was offered to me I couldn’t wait to read it and learn more about this amazing woman who writes such wonderful books. I thought it would be about Amanda’s writing and her ability to dream up wonderful characters but it’s so much more than that as it covers relationships, marriage, divorce and her health problems, but the main topic has to be her unhealthy relationship with food caused by low self-esteem. But it’s not all doom and gloom as from page one I was chuckling and the description of the misery she experienced when going through the menopause had me laughing out loud; I doubt there are any woman who can’t sympathise having gone through it themselves. I can only sum up by saying thank you to Amanda for letting us into her life. She’s an inspiration as she gives hope to so many women, including myself, who want to lose weight but don’t want to put themselves through another dreaded diet.

A well written and thought provoking memoir that I suspect will resonate with many. Prowse, whose fiction is delightful, has lived a difficult and often painful - both physically and psychologically-life. She doesn't pull punches but she also doesn't wallow or feel sorry for herself. I honestly wasn't expecting what I found within these pages but now I'm going to read her novels with a different eye. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Great read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this honest memoir from my favourite author Amanda Prowse, and after reading this, I truly believe she may have been writing about my own life. So much of it resonated with me from her addictive behaviours concerning food, alcohol, weight issues and just wanting to be noticed and liked in her teens, right through to her lack of self-worth, feeling unlovable and hating herself and her body.

Oh my goodness Mandy, you made me sob at times (particularly the instances of sexually inappropriate behaviours in the office in the 1980's, and reminded me of the near-miss sexual assault I couldn't mention at the time and have not done so until now) because of feeling it was probably my fault! I know better now.

You made me feel warm and cosy hearing about your Grandparents' home-grown love when they took you in, supplying wisdom, warmth, healing, love and laughter with no judgement.

You made me laugh with your Walrus Roll, not really funny I know, but you did make me chuckle.

My final thoughts on this wonderful book : I also had a moment in my childhood (are you sure this book isn't about me) where someone made a throwaway comment about the way I walk with a limp, they only said it once, but I have probably said it to myself most days ever since. What you have taught me is that firstly we wouldn't speak to a friend the way we speak to ourselves through our internal dialogue, so let's be as kind to ourselves as we are to others too. We should go gently through this wonderful life, try to spend a few moments each day calmly, with peace in our homes and hearts, and appreciate family, health and the feeling of well-being.

What a fabulous and gritty read this is by the wonder author Amanda Prowse. The author is bravely telling us the story of her life, every high and low in full and frank detail and it has me laughing and crying with her from the start.

It is an incredibly brave and honest account of her life and her issues with her health, relationships and food which I found to be informative and heartbreaking all at the same time.

I would highly recommend this book and will definitely reread it again in the future as it is full of really amazing advice, sensible grounding words and most of all hope.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Amanda Prowse, Women Like Us A Memoir, Lionhead Media Ltd 2022.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

The bulk of this memoir is aimed at highlighting the eating disorders that can impact so negatively on any woman’s life, including that of someone as high profile, successful and thoroughly charming a person as Amanda Prowse appears throughout this book. I think that women who are like the ‘Us’ referred to in the title, presumably those with eating disorders, will find this a profound journey through the possibilities that stimulate the disorder, to the trials of coping with the experiences Prowse describes, and the optimism that she shows in having moved so slowly and so distressingly to a solution.

To other women, those so fortunately not suffering as Prowse and so many women do, do think of yourselves as part of the ‘Us’. After all, some of the distressing behaviour Prowse describes being meted out to her, could be the behaviour of some of the less understanding of ‘us’; it could apply to other disorders – from addiction, to being the brunt of unthinking criticism for behaviour over which a woman might have little control. That being said, I have to acknowledge that I would have liked a little broader look at Prowse’s life, with more discussion of her books, and her experiences of writing and publishing them.

The beginning of the book fulfilled my hope of a broader memoir so well. We read of Amanda’s childhood in a large extended family, living in the east of London, at an address that has become more fashionable as time has progressed. Her delight in joining her local library and being able to borrow armfuls of books; her recognition that someone had written them, and that she would also like to write stories; the warmth of her family; and her father’s successful career. Not so happily, we hear about her experiences with negativity – comments on her body shape, the possibility that she would write derided by a particularly insensitive teacher; the moves from various houses to new ones, and necessity to make new school friends; her absolute love and commitment to her mother but not to her lifestyle – Amanda wanted to be able to walk out the door to the other sort of life, the one her father lived. There are also intriguing comments on her mental filing system for the events and feelings that were to be written as future bestsellers: her determination to write was not undermined by anyone else’s opinion that she might not.

In her first few pages Prowse deals with her consciousness of herself as being the antithesis of a woman of glamour and perfection. She sees herself as the woman following, wearing clothing to hide her figure. Prowse is heart-warmingly honest about what she sees as her imperfections. However, she quickly lets us into her life as a would-be writer, member of a large family, and later, a happy wife and mother, and a writer.
My general disappointment that her writing was not expanded upon could well be misplaced. As I read, I realised that this is a memoir that places Prowse’s eating disorder at its heart. However, one of her novels does take up this issue, and I would have liked to see it given a role as an example of the way in which Prowse uses the ideas she put into an imaginary filing system for use in her fiction. The Food of Love would have been an ideal way to describe how writing became the outlet as a fictionalised version of Prowse’s dilemmas around food and shape. It is a strong novel, and I would have been thrilled to see it used as an example of how Prowse brings events, ideas and feelings into published fiction.

I found Women Like Us A Memoir an instructive and fascinating read, without being enthralling.

I have read many of Amanda Prowse’s books, and have loved many of them, often shutting myself away to read the end because I know I will be a weeping heap! I enjoyed the first part of the book, learning about the strong women in her family and her hardworking father who had higher aspirations for his family, meaning they often moved house, causing her to leave friends behind regularly. I felt for her when she had her many operations and the pain she must have gone through, as well as her many miscarriages and the near loss of her son. After this, the book only focuses on Amanda’s eating disorder and her depression because of her weight. This continues until the end, where Amanda finally understands why she eats to excess and how she can change her eating habits and thinking habits. If the book had a description or title which let the reader know that the book was mainly a journey to Amanda’s acceptance of her weight and appearance, I would probably not have chosen to read it. It is a very personal journey for Amanda to share, and I wish her every success with her new way of life.

Women like us by Amanda Prose is an enlightening read on overcoming body insecurity and finding true happiness and success. This book is a good book for those that have struggled with difficulties with body image and self-esteem. When reading this book, you will laugh with Amanda, during her good times, and feel upset during the bad times. This book was very relatable and I was interested to keep reading. I highly recommend this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

I have read quite a few of her books, and this book was a surprise. As I read it, I could see myself in quite a few places. Reading her story, I kept thinking if she can do this, then this will help me. I have always been clumsy, overweight, lacked self-confidence, and used to food as the answer.
The day came when she decided she had to pull the band-aid off, and take time to figure things out. I have felt that way many times, but felt I was all alone, and it was easier to just stop looking in mirrors. I had decided that I had to confront myself, and what I was doing. Along came this book, and it was just what I needed to read.
I will have to do the work to change, but this book about her journey, is making it easier.
She has been through so much, and writing her story had to be so hard. I cried, sometimes I felt joy with her successes, and thankful that she had the courage to tell it. So many women will see some of them in her story. I could feel the pain, the emotions, the doubt, the things she tried to make it better. She laid it all out with honesty and feeling. Women Like Us, yes, there are a lot of women like us.
I received an ARC from Little A through NetGalley.

I’ve read several of Prowse’s books over the last few years. Reading her very honest memoir makes me like her even more.
One paragraph in I knew the author is my kind of person. Her story is completely relatable. From her childhood, angsts, to her getting real about her weight. Her excising the source of her overeating and getting a handle on it hit home with me since I did the same thing a year ago and am the better for it.
I admire her strength and honesty as I think many other readers will too. She writes great books and is an ordinary gal trying to live her best life.

Amanda Prowse is a real life best selling author, who on the surface, is successful and happy, giving off an air of self confidence and control, but who is the person that actually lives behind that facade? Well we’re about to find out, and kudos to Amanda for laying bare her whole life for us, as she explains how she uses food as a coping mechanism, a secret friend. It’s heartbreaking, (almost gut wrenching at times) it’s also amusing though, particularly as Amanda’s arse takes centre stage, quite literally as a child! Above all though it’s inspiring.

We live in a world where, how others perceive us and the way we live our lives impacts on the way we feel about ourselves, making us mostly insecure. Amanda finally (after many years and much soul searching) overcame that pressure. It wasn’t easy, and it meant facing some difficult conversations with loved ones, things that had been left unsaid for far too long.

The real message here is that the ones who matter the most, those who love us for what and who we are as a person, will love us unconditionally no matter what, but that doesn’t stop them worrying about what we’re doing to ourselves - to our body, to our health in an effort to shut out what we don’t want to face - after all, they want us to stay on this mortal coil for as long as possible. A very interesting and inspirational read!

I have to say, this is quite possibly one of the most down to earth and relatable memoirs I’ve read!
This piece of work is done in such a honest and moving way that my heart broke in places for Amanda Prowse herself, and other “Women Like Us” who have also been on the same journeys described in this beautiful memoir.
I have always loved Amanda’s fictional books, and her other memoir with her son, Josiah Hartley (which was also extremely open and honest), so to read about her childhood and her early life and how she became the fabulous author that she is, has just been amazing.
There will be so many women who will sit and read this book and will think “that’s just like me” and will hopefully enjoy this book as much as I did.
Thank you so much Amanda for sharing your story with us. You are such a lovely lady inside and out x

I do love a good memoir. This one by Amanda Prowse I found just a bit dark and depressing and I struggled to read it. Although very well written, at times I felt it was unnecessarily detailed and too long.

This is Amanda Prowse’s memoir and from beginning to end it is a book of her ‘life in a filing cabinet’ her daily struggles with food and yo-yo weight problems and other devastating life’s tragedies.
I’m finding it very hard to review this one as it’s hard to go into extreme detail of the book without giving away too much information. This is a book for anyone who loves Amanda Prowse and her work. This will give you in depth thoughts and feelings on how Amanda has made up her life’s work.

Reading this, I found an ordinary woman, with the same concerns I had growing up – “I hate my body”, “I am not good enough”, “I can’t do that”. These are her thoughts, these are all our thoughts, always. I found that sad, because, with every struggle, with every lesson, Amanda Prowse proves she is not only good enough, she is great.

She goes through so much as a child and as a young adult and handles everything with maturity. She has some rebellious years – don’t we all? – and grows out of them with lessons learned. Her life seems to come together when she marries and has a child, but it soon falls apart again. Of course, she fulfills her dream of becoming a writer, we know that, but what of everything else?

At the height of her career, all she thinks about is that she is getting old and that she hates her looks…and that hit me hard. As a person who always struggled with her weight, I completely understood her and it made me sad for her, for me, for all women like us.

Amanda Prowse is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today. She has written more than 30 books and her stories are emotional and talk about women like us all the time. In her new book, “Women Like Us” she uses her own life and her own dramas to create a beautiful and inspiring confession.

I read it kind of slow. A few pages throughout each the day of an entire week. It gave me time to think about it a lot and the deep insight into her struggles felt like hearing a friend talk. It was honest, real and intimate. Perhaps too honest (is there such a thing?). There will be people who will say there are details she could have kept for herself, but the courage it took to talk about everything was immense. I can’t even imagine it! So… yes, I’m glad she talked about it all.

I didn’t know anything about her starting the book, I just read it because the title drew me in. I had no idea she was already a public figure (and yes, I’m aware it says so in the title, I just hadn’t noticed!) so I’m talking about her writing based on this book alone (at least for now, because I’m definitely picking up one of her books this year!).

Dislikes
What I didn’t like about the book isn’t much. It is, however, worth mentioning that, though I loved the photos, some are inserted pretty badly. For example she starts to tell of a potential love problem with a boyfriend, which of course, picks your curiosity, makes you wonder – will she stay with this guy or not? And then, bam! You have a photo of them at their wedding or something and the tension is gone. From time to time, she will even give some spoilers herself. Even though this is an autobiography, it could have used a bit more suspense. Not much, but, when it’s there, why ruin it?


Other times she will not explain how she got to a situation, skips over too many important details – and that didn’t happen a lot, but I would be giving spoilers if I say more (and I clearly love suspense).

She also emphasizes her struggles a lot, not sufficiently giving credit to herself for all the other jobs she did well. She tried so many things and was a hard worker every time! I constantly felt the need to encourage her – she was actually doing great.


However, I actually thought the book was a bit too long, with some ideas getting repeated or getting to be too elaborated when the point was already across.

Likes
When she gets to the part about writing, though, everything is just stellar! She remains as humble, but you see the passion and how proud she is of what she’s accomplished and it infused me with enthusiasm. Passionate people inspire me so much! I would have loved to see this kind of enthusiasm throughout the book even more, but I guess the contrast of her attitude towards writing as opposed to any other thing she did wouldn’t have been that powerful.

You might imagine the story ends here. I did. I thought it was a book about becoming a writer. It was not. It was about loosing weight and, more importantly, feeling good with yourself, which, in the end, is the most important message of all.

Amanda Prowse struggled with various illness throughout her life, but her obsession was always being thin. Sounds familiar? It does, to me. She goes into so much detail with her lowest points, I felt immersed in her story.

I liked her confessing about eating patterns, eating binges, lying about it to her family. These things are so, so real! But she started talking about how the conversation should be around fat and it was clear to me she doesn’t know exactly what would have really worked for her sooner. What would have stopped her getting overweight to the point of becoming a medical issue? It clearly made her uncomfortable being called fat (who wouldn’t be?) but she maintains that no one told her she was getting into problems while accumulating the weight.

It is easy to talk about what should have been done after the fact, but the reality is that no amount of discussion from her friends and family would have stopped the process because she was already aware of it. She was lying to herself that it was not that bad. And at some point it really wasn’t. Until it was.

Loosing weight is a difficult process which begins in the mind, in understanding why and how we eat, how we think about food and more importantly, how we think about ourselves. Are we happy in our bodies? In how it feels? Do we treat our bodies with love and kindness? This is such a big part of the message of this book and I absolutely loved it!

Another thing I loved were the photos around this topic. They make you think the author is a dear friend who shares her journal with you. It feels like a journal, a confession, things you wouldn’t normally know about a person. Her story doesn’t stop with the book, she will continue to write more and more books, but I’m glad she took the time to write this, because it is reassuring to see how people who appear to have it all figured out, have their own battles still ongoing.

And that is how I want to end this. If you want to know the story of a woman who’s struggled with illnesses a lot and kept going, a woman who found her path to success later in life, a woman like us, read Amanda Prowse’s novel “Women Like Us”! You won’t regret it!

If you struggle with weight yourself, you’ll find her message uplifting and inspiring. It will help you feel you are not alone and maybe motivate you to take action.

P.S. Thank you NetGalley for the copy in exchange for a fair review!

What an amazing book from an amazing author telling her own story. I laughed. In places until i cried. I read parts out to my husband as they were so funny and true to life. I have read lots of Amanda’s books and loved the diversity of them all and the frankness that she writes about but this book just tops the lot. Amanda was very brave to write in such detail and complete openness. I have already told lots of people to go out and buy this book as every woman can relate to this book in many places. I feel now that I personally know Amanda Prowse and adore her attitude on life and her determination to find herself and eventually write stories with so much depth and emotion.
This demands much more than 5 stars.

Wether it’s a story with characters from out of Mandy’s filing cabinet drawer or her own memoir she has a way with words that draws you in from page one until the end. I read the book jointly written with Josiah which I found very honest and emotional and this book is the same. I could completely relate to lots of things thinking oh my Mandy could be writing about me. A very relatable book that I think I went through every different emotion whilst reading it. It did make me smile right from the start when saying where you were born. My eldest brother was born in that very same lying in home and I remember him being upset having a rough part of London on his birth certificate. All much more upmarket these days lol. Thank you Mandy for sharing your life warts and all with the world. I for one will start to look at my day and think what good thing I might have achieved. You are so right that we are very critical and hard on ourselves and it’s time to be kinder to ourselves and others. A fabulous five star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a great book! I feel very much, like I know Amanda Prowse. She really opened up about herself in a way that had me coming back to read more. She really opened my eyes to eating disorders and made me think. We are women and I think because of that, we unfortunately think a lot about weight. I hope that this book encourages people to think about their choices, and maybe get to a healthier mind set as well as healthier size. I hope her teacher reads this book and is sorry for not giving her encouragement instead of attitude.

Having read this author’s books and thoroughly enjoyed their varied styles, I felt this would enlighten me to more of the real Amanda Prowse.

Wow, what an honest and emotional book. Amanda opens up about her early years and the impact it had on the rest of her life. Her writing style welcomes you in as if she was in the same room talking to you.

Highly recommend.

I guess the first question to ask is, what kind of woman am I? Well, you know those women who saunter into a room, immaculately coiffed and primped from head to toe?

If you look behind her, you’ll see me.

Amanda Prowse has had a varied career during her adult life, but she always wanted to be a writer, she loved books, immersing herself in the written word from a very young age and dreaming of the day she could put pen to paper and bring the stories she kept popping into that filing cabinet in her head to life, but a throwaway comment from a teacher made her think she'd never be good enough, so she didn't write her first book till she was in her forties and in the last decade she has become a best selling author of some of the most relateable books in the world of fiction, many of the stories based on her own experiences. Women Like Us tells us the story of her own life.

I've read quite a lot of Amanda's books and am aware of some of the struggles she has faced in her own life, depicted so beautifully through her work of fiction. The Boy Between was a true story of the issues her son Josiah faced with depression, a book they wrote together, but I wasn't aware of the constant battle she faced with food and her weight. I'm the same age as Amanda, so many of the scenarios she describes are very relateable to me and brought back many memories of my own insecurities when I was growing up, but also memories that have made me smile, especially the trifle spoon as me and my siblings used to think the same too!! I have experienced a myriad of emotions whilst reading her story, one minute I'd be laughing and the next I'd be crying, sometimes within the same sentence. Amanda tells her story with brutal honesty and openness, laying herself bare and leaving no stone unturned, sharing some of her most intimate secrets with us, the readers. This will be an eye opener to a lot of 'women like us' because it shows us that we don't have to follow others, we don't all have to look the same, dress the same, there's no such thing as the perfect figure, it's how we perceive ourselves that's important and being happy in our own skin. I've spoken to Amanda regularly via social media over the last few years and always thought she was lovely, then recently I had the pleasure of meeting her and this lady is beautiful inside and out. I'm so glad you ignored Mrs Blight's advice Amanda!

I'd like to thank Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for inviting me to read this, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.

Women Like Us is a memoir by Amanda Prowse who following her beautiful collaboration with her sonJosh shares more of her life and her battle with the wall in her head and an eating disorder. Amanda hasn't just written this book about herself but about most women, including myself who battle constantly with their weight. Feeling defined by their size and always looking for the latest diet fix. It was a beautiful and inspirational insight into Amanda's life. There is a lot of love in her memoir, The love for her family, her husband, her children, even her ex-partner is spoken about with goodwill. It is so refreshing. The biggest battle Amanda appears to have had is with herself and she tracks from childhood to adulthood the issues that have led to her eating struggles. It is raw, honest, and at times heartbreaking. However, unlike some memoirs, there is no narsacism in this. Amanda is very quick to point out that her experiences echo the experiences of many women today. I could relate to it so much and have taken away a lot of thoughts and self-realisation about myself from the book.

I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Lovebookstours.

Women Like Us: A Memoir is an emotionally uplifting and relatable true memoir of one of my favourite authors life and this book has only made me love her even more.
Amanda has been through so much in her life, ups and downs, battles with herself and a rocky path to her own found happiness. Amanda's story is so raw, honest and relatable to myself and thousands of women around the world. Struggling with body image, self-esteem, toxic relationships with food, and the expectancies of being a woman in the world of today. I laughed so much in places during this book and Amanda's humour and honesty just shines through each page. This book makes you feel less isolated and alone and I felt like I've spent a week having a well overdue catch up with an old friend. This read brought tears to my eyes too and I just want Amanda to know how truly wonderful and deserving she is for all she has gone through, it gives me faith that I too will one day come out the other side.

Such a brave book to write, putting all her fears out for everyone to see. I truly appreciate it as it shows us all that these things need to be talked about if we ever want to overcome them. Amanda shows herself as a real, down to earth woman that we can all relate to. She has gone through many trials, losses, and joys and has shared this and how she has “trusted the process” to get to a place of accepting and loving herself. Thank you Amanda for sharing your story.

Oh Amanda, I am in awe of the way you drew me into this book. You really made me feel as though you and I were sat in a coffee shop swapping our life stories. Pausing every now and again as we both got became too emotional and had to wipe our eyes.

I always knew this author's inspiration for her books came from the heart, but to actually read in her own words how she suffered through miscarriages, weight problems and family troubles was like being swept away on a tsunami of emotions.

Mrs Prowse, you should be so proud of yourself. Not only are you a bestselling author whose books inspire women everywhere, but you are also one very brave and beautiful lady.



5 stars seem pitiful for such a

Women Like Us - A Memoir
by: Amanda Prowse
Amazon Publishing UK, Little A

Having enjoyed Amanda Prowse's fiction books, I was eager to read her memoir. She writes candidly and honestly as she shares her life story with her readers. Whether one has read her books or not, this book is one to read about a woman's childhood, career, and life's journeys.
Thank you to Net Galley and Amazon Publishing UK, Little A for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.

I have read many books by Amanda Prowse but this memoir really blew me away. It is so honest and open. Amanda has been brave to be so truthful. Well done to her !!
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC

I am not sure why I selected this book - other than it sounded good, I am interested in authors, and I like memoirs.
But it is a wonderfully honest and raw biography that would touch any reader. From eating disorders, heartbreak and loss - the difficulties Amanda faced throughout her life are overwhelming - but the humor and openness with which she relates them is very inspiring.

This book is beautifully and emotively written. I giggled with Amanda. I cried big fat tears.

I am the same age as Amanda and I could relate to so many of her experiences as I have lived through many similar experiences. She brought back so many memories; twin tub washing machines (my mum never got rid of hers and wheeled it through to the kitchen every week!), tinned fruit with evaporated milk, libraries with actual library cards, and visiting the library as a child and bringing all those ‘free’ books home! Calling all the adult neighbours Auntie. Yes we experienced a very similar childhood, right down to the teacher who told the young Amanda she would never be an author, but she used that comment in later years to prove that teacher wrong. I just hope she is still alive to have eaten her words! I was never told that, but I had an equally horrible junior school teacher who was nasty to me and I still remember her.

Amanda opens up completely about all the ups and downs in her life, helping her readers who are facing similar struggles. From her agony and numerous operations as a child with a crumbling pelvis, surviving cancer, through her first failed marriage, many miscarriages, issues with her weight and food addiction, dealing with a child with mental health issues, to the menopause and facing an ageing face and body with positivity.

Amanda also shares the joys in her life. Actually having a baby against all the odds. Finding her soul mate despite being convinced she wouldn’t bother with another partner. The difficult journey to getting her first book published in her forties.

I felt as if I was sitting across the table having a coffee with this remarkable woman. I love that her views are so similar to mine on so many things.

This is a book I would recommend every woman reads.

I have just downloaded Amanda’s first book, Poppy Day, on audio and I can’t wait to listen to it.

Very very highly recommend.

Amanda Prowse writes books to which women can relate and there were many things I could relate to in this book too.
It was nice to read about her childhood and how a teacher said she would never make a writer. Well she can put that in her pipe and smoke it!
I did feel that the second half of the book was concentrated mainly on Amanda's weight issues and overeating. I am so happy for her if she has permanently overcome the issues with eating and weight but as a woman who struggles in this area too , I thought it was a bit early to be writing about her success in such detail. I hope I'm wrong and Amanda can continue with the new found confidence it's given her.

Amanda Prowse is one of my favourite authors, I follow her on social media and I was very interested to read her memoir.

Where do I start? This is an amazing brutally honest memoir and Amanda shares her inner most secrets with us. I am a similar age to Amanda and many of the memories and situations she describes were highly relatable to me. I truly admire her openness and honesty. I laughed and cried along with Amanda throughout the book. I hope Mrs Blight has read all of your books and has realised how very wrong she was.

As an overweight woman myself, Amanda has given me hope and inspired me that I can change and get off the endless cycle of dieting and failing. Mandy, thank you for your honesty - I really wish I could give you a big hug.

A huge 5 stars from me. I highly recommend this fantastic book.

Women Like Us is a story of success and hope. Amanda Prowse is one of my go-to authors and I was delighted to read her autobiography. One of her teachers said she would never make a writer! It is an honest and raw memoir that will touch the hearts of many. From eating disorders to heartbreak and loss, as well as failed marriages, miscarriages and the expectations of other people - the difficulties faced throughout her life are overwhelming however, the hilarity and frankness with which she relates them make this incredibly inspiring. A fabulous five-star read.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Wow! Now I love Amanda Prowse even more! This memoir, "Women Like Us" was one of the most empowering, admirable, and enlightening books I've ever read, certainly impactful. An honest depiction of an outrageously talented, strong woman, struggling with self-image, self-esteem, aging, obesity, and food addiction, weighted down by the pressures that are placed upon women, and the pressures women burden themselves with. One of my favorite things about reading Amanda Prowse novels, is the conclusion of her books. The masterful way she is able to bring enormous struggles and despair to a satisfying, light-filled, inspiring endings. Well, this one, even thought it was not fiction, had just as amazing of an ending. Thank you for opening up your personal life to us readers, it is immensely appreciated. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the early reader copy for review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book! Amanda always writes books that are so easy to read and her memoir was no exception even though it was very painful at times. I had no idea about her food addiction and self confidence issues.

This book follows her journey of self loathing to self acceptance and it was also fascinating to hear her publishing process too!

I think so many women will relate to so many parts of her journey as we've all felt the pressure of needing to look a certain way or comparing ourselves to others and thinking we would be so much happier if we .............

This is such an honest and raw book which made me both cry and laugh.

Ultimately it really all comes down to recognising that you are enough!!

"I took a wrecking ball to the wall I had constructed in my mind, shattering it to let the light in. This is my time. A new age. And I like what I see in the mirror and on some days, I even bloody love it!"

Amanda Prowse's memoir drew me in from the first page.

"I guess the first question to ask is, what kind of woman am I? Well, you know those women who saunter into a room, immaculately coiffed and primped from head to toe? Those women who seem to have it all together? Raven-haired beauties who can pull off red lipstick? The women who teeter pertly on killer heels and in skinny jeans? The women who flick their hair with a sexy smile, as they stride in confidently to talk self-assuredly to whoever looks to be of most interest, and, with a manicured hand, grab a glass of bubbles from a passing tray as they go?
Well, if you look behind her, you'll see me."

Amanda wrote such a candid memoir. I felt like I was talking with a good friend. We are of a similar age and had so many experiences in common. I saw myself in Amanda's story. I am sure there are many other women who would agree. Thank you, Amanda for giving a voice to the things that you feel only live on in people's minds and they don't dare to voice these things aloud.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance reader copy for me to review.

With tremendous courage, Amanda Prowse tells stories from her life. Her honesty and strength are astounding in this generous offering. I was already a fan of her books, but now I am a fan of this wonderful woman.

This was real. This was honest. I have enjoyed Amanda Prowse’s books for years. It was a no-brainer to read this book to try to get a glimpse of what the author is truly like. Well, with this one, you don’t get a glimpse! She lays it all out there, and really allows you to connect with her. Well done!

I genuinely don't know what to say about Women Like Us. How do you review a memoir written by one of your favourite, drop-everything-and-read authors who you've been lucky enough to become friends with? Well, here goes nothing...

Women Like Us is a brutally honest and thought provoking memoir, written by a 50 something woman who also happens to have sold millions of copies of her 30+ books worldwide. It is raw, emotional, relevant and heartbreaking. It is hopeful, full of love and inspiring.

Mandy lays it all out in this book. Nothing is taboo or off limits. This is so admirable and it's what sets #WLU apart from so many other memoirs out there. There are certain topics that resonated hard with me; miscarriage, depression and food addiction. I have found hope and positivity within these pages that I plan on taking forward. I am going to make changes to my life and will happily credit Amanda Prowse with my new found ambition and confidence.

In short, if you are a woman, buy this book. If you know a woman, buy her this book. It will start frank and open discussions that we all need to have and will help us all to know we're not alone. There are so MANY WOMEN LIKE US out there. 12/10

Amanda Prowse is one of my all time favourite authors and I felt privileged to be able to read an early copy of this biography and I highly recommend it even if you have never read any of her previous work and even if you just read this as a standalone and never read any of her others although I highly recommend reading everything this author writes as she is amazing at writing about the human condition and emotions from the heart and this biography was no different. This is a very canid and laid wide open account of this authors life where she has openly discussed her life struggles and demons and highs and lows and her struggles surrounding food

I highly related to a lot of this story growing up during a similar period of time and it brought back lots of memories some happy and some not so happy.


Images of being served evaporated milk and finned peaches for dessert jumped off the page and trips down memory Lane to the delights of shopping in Woolworths, twin tub washing machines and blanket fortes.

I was also referred to as a baby elephant when younger and faced lots of comments about having footballers knees so can relate to how comments as a youngster said in innocence can stick and shape how you feel about yourself in the future.

I laughed and a cried in bucket loads while reading this and should give every woman hope that they can in the future learn to love themselves.

The takeaway comments that are going to stick with me after reading are the sentences. Dive into that bloody swimming pool a reminder rhet life is for living reward your body with love .

Amanda Prowse has become a favorite author and I jumped at the opportunity to read her memoir. It touched my heart and also inspired me. Her story was honest and relatable and it was an honor to read about the experiences that have helped her become the remarkable woman she is today.

It is no secret that I am a massive fan of Amanda Prowse's books and I have also been extremely lucky to meet her and I can personally vouch for the fact that her bubble personality lights up, not only the room, but the whole street and is also extremely infectious. You don't leave a meeting with her feeling down in the dumps and so to read her very honest and open book about her insecurities of her weight and body image really took me by surprise.

I found that there were times reading this memoir that I wanted to laugh with her, cry with her and more often than not, I wanted to reach through the pages of the book and hug her - if only Kindle offered that facility!

You couldn't read a more candid book about body image and I think every single woman in her early 20s should read this and know that more often than not, if's ok not to be ok, but also have a chat with a friend when you feel like that as you don't go through things on your own.

For a long time I have been a fan of the books written by Amanda Prowse, so I grabbed this opportunity to read her biography and find out more about the person behind the books.
This book was a lesson in, although someone's life may appear perfect from afar, we cannot see inside their minds and the struggle they are going through. Amanda presents a very warts and all view at her life and shares moments of grief, pain, humiliation and despair. From her childhood trauma of having to undergo pelvic surgery, multiple miscarriages during her married life to her lifelong battle with self0image and eating disorders. It was refreshing to read a first hand account of another person who doesn't feel good enough, beautiful enough, slim enough - who defines what is enough?
I think a lot of people who struggle with self image will really appreciate the brutally honest way that Amanda tackles this and reflects on her life journey and then her very practical, realistic approach to being kind and forgiving to herself. This not only had the impact of improving her mental health and confidence, but also fuelled her to lose weight in a steady, controlled and sustainable way.
Thank you Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a powerful read! I think it's hard to "rate" books like this but I really appreciate the author opening up and telling their story. I always love reading about people's journeys and why they are who they are today.

Women Like Us by Amanda Prowse.
I guess the first question to ask is, what kind of woman am I? Well, you know those women who saunter into a room, immaculately coiffed and primped from head to toe? If you look behind her, you’ll see me. From her childhood, where there was no blueprint for success, to building a career as a bestselling novelist against all odds, Amanda Prowse explores what it means to be a woman in a world where popularity, slimness, beauty and youth are currency—and how she overcame all of that to forge her own path to happiness. Sometimes heartbreaking, often hilarious and always entirely relatable, Prowse details her early struggles with self-esteem and how she coped with the frustrating expectations others had of how she should live. Most poignantly, she delves into her toxic relationship with food, the hardest addiction she has ever known, and how she journeyed out the other side.
A good read. I do like this author. 4*.

I just Love Amanda's books especially her latest one Women Like Us by Amanda Prowse. This book was another excellent read and I was gripped from the beginning till the very end. Amanda has a way of writing that will bring you into all her books as she always writes from her heart especially as this book is her true memoir. Amanda, explores what it means to be a woman in a world where popularity, slimness, beauty and youth are currency—and how she overcame all of that to forge her own path to happiness. I found this heartbreaking at times and I needed to grab some tissues and then I was laughing out loud. So it was like then weather of the day I started to read it!
Amanda talks about her early struggles with self-esteem and how she coped with the frustrating expectations others had of how she should live her life.

WoW! I highly recommend this book and all her books they do not disappoint, It's Brilliant.

Thank you, Amazon Publishing UK, for the advance reading copy.

I am a fan of Amanda Prowse and her novels, so I was thrilled to read her memoir, Women Like Us.

I really enjoy memoirs, and this was an excellent memoir.

There were parts of this memoir I could relate to and parts I couldn't. I am not a mother, so that part of it didn't resonate with me.

But there were REALLY parts that I absolutely LOVED. The parts about weight and food. I also enjoyed the parts where the author talked about comparing yourself to others and self-doubt.

This well written memoir is like one big PEP talk that is fantastic for any fans of this author or fans of memoirs.

Finishing Amanda Prowse’s memoir left me slight bereft. I’d seen this woman on The Wright Stuff voicing her opinions on topical issues. I’ve read about the experience depression had placed on her family. Could there be much more to this woman’s life? Oh boy yes there could be, bucket loads!!!

Prowse’s formative years were heartbreaking. I could identify with her moving primary schools and going to high school without friends. I was the same as her, the outsider with no real friends but what happened to her health was just shit… totally shit (her words not mine but I couldn’t put it better).

She had me bawling my eyes out halfway through. Her experiences felt as if I personally had been there as she went through events. Prowse has an amazing way with words to evoke emotions. I’ve never been through what she’s experienced but my emotional journey as I read felt like I had.

Prowse’s constant battle with her weight is a theme that runs through the book from her anorexic tendencies as a young woman to her more recent struggles and secret eating. Throughout she is brutally honest about her mindset and takes the time to discuss society’s imbalance to body image. As someone who has struggled herself, I’ve felt that imbalance but as Prowse has, I’ve been in a journey mentally and physically to find a happy place.

The journey, ney life Prowse has lead is one hell of an emotional rollercoaster. She’s very eloquently but honestly put fingers to keyboard and shared her story. Women Like Us is one compulsive read and I love Prowse’s impeccable writing. I’ll admit I’ve never read any of her novels but having now read both of her spellbinding and beautifully written nonfiction titles, I feel I need to… stat!!!

Amanda Prowse is an amazing author, her widely read books are full of warmth, truth and honesty! It’s absolutely my pleasure and honour to read this book about an inspirational woman that I’m a huge fan of!
To write about oneself is not easy, delving into the good and bad emotions and thoughts to bring your truth out to the world, bravo and very well done Amanda!
I felt that Amanda is not fully aware of her own capabilities and worth, it’s probably been an ongoing work in progress.
An author of the most wonderful books, is given a reminder from her adoring public of her inner beauty and enormous talent! It’s absolutely brilliant to see this happiness realised!

Thanks so much to the publisher, NetGalley and this wonderful author for the opportunity to read this book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've read one Amanda Prowse novel before, Waiting to Begin. I liked it well enough, but it isn't my usual sort of book as I'm not much of a contemporary "women's fiction" (I hate that term" reader. I could see that Prowse was a good storyteller though, and so when I saw her memoir - a genre I much more into - and that it covered so much that I am personally interested in, I knew I had to pick it up.

Prowse is a prolific writer. Like, more than 30 books in eleven years prolific. Writing had been something she'd always wanted to do, storing away ideas for plots and characters in her inner filing department for most of her life. But she went though a whole other life before putting her ideas into being. From a tight-knit London family community, Prowse's father moved the family multiple times across the country for his job, which shook her foundations. A failed marriage in her early twenties led to Prowse embarking on life as a single mother working all hours to support her son. To cope, Prowse turned to food as her comfort and companion. This is a dysfunctional relationship that follows her throughout her life, and the attendant body images issues that come with with the eating disorder that this use of food turns into.

I am always interested in the experiences of women in the generation ahead of me, and their thoughts on entering that stage of their life. Prowse addresses lots of issues that must be familiar with so many women, around body image, the pressure to look a certain way, and the expectations on women's appearances as they age. She looks at this from a perspective of someone whose weight is not deemed ideal, and I appreciated this a lot because I am very much that woman too.

I found her to be so honest and insightful about living with binge eating disorder, and that is something I find so important because it is often the hidden eating disorder. The medical establishment don't pay it as much attention as the more immediately damaging disorders, and so those of us who struggle with it are often left feeling isolated and with nowhere to turn, our health being damaged but too slowly to excite anyone in a position to actually help us.

Prowse has a real warmth in her writing, she's funny and willing to share the unflattering or very sad things in her life. I can see why her books appeal to so many, as from the one book of hers that I read previously I can see that she brings that into her fiction too.

Much like with her fiction that I read, I did find this memoir didn't go as deep or as literary as I'd have liked it to go...but that's my issue, as that just isn't the sort of writer Prowse is. This is her life, her story, and she told it completely in her voice - fans will love it, women facing similar things to Prowse will find connection with it (I did), and it's refreshing to see someone in the public eye being so open and honest.

I was so looking forward t this - written in Amanda Prowse's easy read style, it ticked all the boxes, like sitting down for a good old natter with a friend you haven't seen in a very long time.
Very brave, honest and endearing - bravo.

Wow, what a powerful and affecting memoir. I am a huge fan of Amanda Prowse novels and have always loved the journey she takes me on as a reader and the depth of her characters and their emotions. So it was fascinating to read about the woman behind the books. Her honesty, bravery and humour are very inspiring and I’d highly recommend reading this

Women Like Us was a very interesting and heartfelt memoir. So many times I thought, "wow, that is my story as well." Prowse has written this straight from her heart, which makes it such a good book! She talks about her very painful childhood with many surgeries. This is one of the best autobiographies I have read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this ARC, which I loved reading.

Women Like Us by bestselling author Amanda Prowse is a memoir unlike any I’ve ever read before. So completely relatable, this book spoke to me on such a personal level that, from the very first page, it felt as though the woman Amanda was describing could just as easily have been me. From her toxic relationship with food to always feeling like she didn’t quite fit in, I could relate to so much of what she was saying. I’ve been a fan of Amanda and her writing for a long time and this gorgeously written, eye opening memoir just reinforces the reasons why I’ve always admired her as much as I have.

Women Like Us is a raw and honest memoir that tells the moving story of Amanda’s life, from her humble beginnings growing up in a close knit family right through to the present day and the extraordinary success she’s made of her life so far. This is a woman who has been through so much but continues to be warm and empathetic towards others, which comes across so clearly in every word that she writes. Written with warmth and humour, Women Like Us is an extraordinarily insightful memoir that touches on deeply personal issues such as body consciousness, lack of self esteem and food addiction. It is without a doubt an emotional rollercoaster of a read, but also one that had me laughing out loud at times, Amanda’s warmth and infectious sense of humour bringing a softness to the proceedings that really do turn this book into something rather special.

Women Like Us is the story of a woman who, in spite of everything she’s been through, has never allowed anything to hold her back and has achieved more happiness and success in her life than most of us could only ever dream of. I have to admit there are some parts of Amanda’s story that I found incredibly difficult to read at times as I could identify with so much of what was written between the pages of this intensely personal and beautifully written book. I honestly don’t have the words to describe how Amanda’s words made me feel other than to say that this is a book that will stay with me always.

Amanda Prowse has written a powerful and emotionally intense memoir that I believe everyone should read. What more can I say? I absolutely adored it!

Highly recommended.

Women Like Us
By Amanda Prowse

Uplifting
Inspirational
Immersive

I love memoirs. Amanda Prowse has been one of my favorite women's fiction authors having read many of her books. Reading WOMEN LIKE US made me love Prowse even more. she is the story of women like us - achieving success despite all odds and despite what society thinks success should look like. She tells the story of a woman with challenges, struggles, even insecurities - guess what, yes, indeed just like us.

I love the candid, honest, and funny way Prowse delivers her story - it is relatable, heart wrenching, but so uplifting and inspirational.

Thank you Amanda Prowse for sharing your story with women like us.

Wow, wow, wow. What an incredible but touching and hard read. This book really blew me away. Honest and raw, tough to read at times, but so well written. Highly recommend

I have read several of Amanda Prowse's books and it was fascinating to read about the woman behind the stories and how she came to her present career.

Amanda has a lot to say about the various struggles she has had - with miscarriages, drinking, mental health issues, and - most notably - a toxic relationship with food that saw her weight balloon to over 20 stone.

She is forthright yet engaging; however, you will need tissues at some points. The saddest part for me was the way Amanda's self-esteem crumbled as she grew up, reinforced by the negative experiences she had. A teacher who basically laughed at her dream to be a writer, a serious health issue that affected her ability to bear children, a failed marriage - all impacted her and it was only when she met her present husband that she felt able to pursue her writing dream.

This is a book that demands to be read. If you have ever struggled with low self-esteem, felt invisible or are constantly comparing yourself to women you perceive as 'perfect', this book should be on your to-read list. It will challenge you to see life from a different perspective and to love the person inside your skin.

Amanda references the strong women she grew up around - her mum, nans, aunties and others, who all got on with life. She is strong too, but took over half her life to realise it.

I received an ARC of this book from Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.

So many things hit hard when reading this book, I would need a day to write them all into this review.
On finishing this book I promise to be kinder and listen more to my body and hopefully from this day forward I can stop beating myself up for hating my body and mind.

Thank you Amanda. Xx

This must be one of the most candidly honest memoirs I have ever read.

I have been a fan of Ms. Prowse's writing for a while now. I have read and reviewed The Day She Came Back, and you can read my review by clicking here. The Food of Love also featured as one of my Tuesday Teaser posts and you can read that post by clicking here.

Prior to reading this book my impression of the author was that she is talented, intelligent and successful, and I still hold to that view. However, having read this book in which she describes her own view of herself, it could not be more different to mine. Amanda sees herself through utterly self-critical lenses and has struggled with not being able to judge herself by the beauty that she radiates from within.

She has written with courage and bravery and this book will touch many people. I suspect many of us judge ourselves critically for a whole plethora of reasons. There are many issues that I could identify with, and I have no doubt that this book will effect others similarly.

Unsurprisingly, as it has come from the pen of this inspiring author, the book is well written, and even though she takes us through her inner dialogue of self-criticism throughout, it never became repetitive to read and was engaging throughout. Instead, it was sad to read about the way she had viewed herself; how she never felt content to be the woman that she was and what a difficult journey she has been on.

I would encourage anyone who has ever felt lacking in some way, anyone who has struggled to see what a beautiful person they really are, and anyone who has judged themselves by the caustic comments made by others to read this book. Amanda's journey of self-acceptance is humbling to read and I applaud her for her courage and bravery in writing and publishing this book.

There were some quotes coming out of this book that I so deeply resonated with. From her childhood, where there was no blueprint for success to building a career as a bestselling novelist against all odds Amanda Prowse takes the reader on a journey exploring what it means to be a woman in a world where popularity is defined by slimness and beauty is currency.

I have read quite a few of Amanda’s novels, together with the brilliant, but gut wrenching, The Boy Between, written with her son Josh. I have read articles about Amanda in newspapers and magazines, and seen her on TV, so I had begun to build a picture of my favourite author in my head, however, nothing prepared me her the raw, brave, emotional, and entertaining memoir "Women Like Us"

I am a few years older than Amanda, so school days were similar. I loved reading about Amanda’s family and welcomed the photos that were interspersed throughout the book. I also loved reading about baby Josh and the story of how she met her Husband, Simeon, and I cried buckets learning of Amanda’s relationship with food. I could go on, and on, talking about chapter after chapter but I want everyone to read this for themselves!

Women Like Us is such an honest, well written memoir and I give it 5 stars.

Amanda writes some of the most beautiful women’s fiction that I’ve ever read so to read her own memoir where she shares her life felt very special.

If you’ve never read any of Amanda’s fictional books, this memoir will still spark your interest.

I felt like this book is written not just as a memoir but as a tool to reach other women that have felt self doubt at any time which caused missed opportunities.

Amanda shares her teen years and having a congenital defect in her pelvis region causing her to have multiple surgeries. She shares her toxic relationship with food and alcohol. Amanda tells of marriage, divorce, and motherhood as well as her lifelong desire to be an author.

Amanda shares a lot about her weight and that really hit home for me as that has been such a struggle especially the last few years after having part of my thyroid removed.

I’m a big picture in memoirs person so the fact that Amanda scatters pictures with captions all through her memoir is one of my favorite parts.

A great memoir by an amazing writer!

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

“My blood type is Americano with an extra shot.”

I LOVED this memoir by Amanda Prowse. I loved her honesty and her vulnerability to share her story of self-acceptance. I also grew up feeling like I didn’t “fit” into this world and I wasn’t good enough. I really thought I was the only one who felt that way when I was growing up. I really connected with Amanda’s story.
“I’ve spent a large chunk of my life feeling a little uncomfortable in my skin, a little less than…as if all the good stuff like success, happiness, sexiness and self-esteem were the right of other people but not me.” This quote really resonated with me. I just wanted to stop reading and give her a huge hug! This was such a beautiful memoir and I highly recommend reading it ASAP!

Women Like Us
Author, Amanda Prowse
Available now!

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours @mrsamandaprowse @netgalley and Little A Publishing for my #gifted copy and for the e- arc!

"I guess the first question to ask is, what kind of woman am I? Well, you know those women who saunter into a room, immaculately coiffed and primped from head to toe? If you look behind her, you'll see me."

Women Like Us is the memoir of a resilient women who takes her readers on the journey of her battle with surviving in a world where the expectations of beauty and body weight are the grounds of which her low self-esteem and shame were built. As an awkward and clumsy child, to a teenager who experienced physical pain and multiple resulting surgeries, to a young woman who dealt with isolation, poor body image, and consequently alcohol abuse, impulsivity, and a toxic relationship with food, Amanda embarked on her fragile adult life fully loaded with shame and a constant fear of failure.

She then dealt with the loss of beloved family members and a divorce after multiple miscarriages, and then finally, her miracle baby Joshy. It was later that she met her current husband only to deal with more devastating loss, pain, mental health crises, and obesity.

Amanda's story is insightful, candid, emotional, and raw. She shares her struggles, challenges, and triumphs to engage and help her readers see that against all odds, many years, and a myriad of obstacles along the way, she discovered her road to happiness, self- acceptance, and love. She managed to find her happy while trusting her process, and she even kept it nice darling, as best as she could, along the way.

An inspirational and moving memoir that ultimately asks, what kind of woman are you? And no matter what kind of woman you may be, you better "dive into that bloody swimming pool!"

Women Like Us by Amanda Prowse
Ms. Prowse has written a book that most of us can relate to. We often paint a picture of authors, or anyone who is successful, as a person who is bigger than life itself and has no issues. However, truth be told, they are just like the rest of us.
No one is perfect. No one is without faults. And that is okay. We all struggle with something. Comparing ourselves to others kills our happiness and confidence. No one is you. So stop comparing yourself to others. Do what is right for you.
I love reading books by Amanda Prowse. She has such a way with words that really hits home and gives you all the feels. In this book, Ms. Prowse turns the pen on herself. She tells an autobiographical story about what it takes to learn to deal with yourself – the good and the bad. She opens up her life to the reader in a genuine reflection of what it has taken her to get the point that she is at now. This is a deeply personal story of growth.
I, for one, am thankful that I was given the chance to read this book. I learned about myself and about an author that I now feel an even deeper connection with.
I highly recommend this book!!

Amanda Prowse has written many incredible novels about women and their lives, but today I’m here to share with you Amanda’s own life, her memoir called Women Like Us.

Amanda grew up always wanting to be a writer and when she was young, a teacher embarrassed her for this dream and asked if she had a backup plan. She didn’t think she had what it took, and didn’t write her first book until she was in her forties. It’s heartbreaking to read that a dumb comment from some teacher discouraged her. We should be encouraging all young people to achieve their dreams, no matter how big or small they may be.

Amanda also struggles with her looks and especially her weight. She is incredibly vulnerable when discussing her lifelong struggle with her weight and just general insecurities about her looks. She discusses a lot about society’s expectation for women’s appearances and balancing how to keep yourself happy while ignoring judgment. We only have to make one person happy in our lives: ourselves!

I admire Amanda for her openness and honesty throughout the book. You can tell it’s incredibly personal and I feel like that will speak to many people. Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @mrsamandaprowse for my gifted copy.

Thank you to Netgally for an early copy of this book. I am a big fan of Amanda's and although this book was different I still thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a memoir of her life and I really enjoyed the honest way Amanda addressed subjects that affect many of us over a lifetime. To hear someone talk about feelings and thoughts we often experience helps to normalise them and gets you thinking about what others are going through too. A great read.

I loved Amanda Prowse as an author. I read WaIting to Begin last year and felt such a strong connection to the story. I jumped at the opportunity to read her memoir Women Like Us.

It should be no surprise that I loved Women Like Us. The same heart that Prowse writes with in her fiction bleeds into her memoir as well. She tackles her issues with body image and self worth and puts into words feelings I have struggled with for years. I finished this book and felt like I had a long conversation with a good friend.

This memoir is funny, candid, and an overall enjoyable read. I highly recommend!

This was a powerful memoir, with several relatable content for women. Thank you Amanda for sharing your story with the world.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I finished November with a memoir, Women Like Us by @mrsamandaprowse - a popular British author. The memoir details Prowse’s life from chronic health issues, miscarriages, the never ending pressures to look young and weight struggles to love, health and happiness. I want to hug this book and I absolutely need to do a deep dive into Prowse’s fiction because I love her writing style. I so appreciated how she tackled the issues that women face in trying to keep up with pressures to look young, be thin, have a successful career but be able to balance it all graciously and still be a good mom and a good spouse. Prowse captured it perfectly with humor, emotion and a raw realness that was so relatable. What a perfect way to end Nonfiction November.

𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵, 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨!

This is the perfect read for Non-Fiction November, what a beautiful, raw and powerful story. I loved her honesty and message. A relatable and inspirational story. Loved it.

Thank you lSuzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗨𝘀 by Amanda Prowse released September 6, 2022.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcoffeemx/

What happens when a writer tells her story? I must admit I haven’t read any of her books, but am always intrigued by someone’s story. And I always say you can never know what someone is going through and this book reminds me of that. She tells a no holds barred all of her struggles and that she still ends up a writer loved by her fans.

It is such a relatable read. The relationship with food and love of Duran Duran, I really could relate to moments in her life. Both heartbreaking and heartwarming, she doesn’t sugarcoat anything. While her writing was easy to read, the journey wasn’t always.

This is a brave story of how she came to be who she is. I am off to look up one of her fictional books to read.

Amanda Prowse knows how to keep the reader hooked and this book is no exception. A very enjoyable read that makes you want to read to the end

I have only read a couple of Amanda Prowse’s books, but one thing I love about them is I connect with the characters. She makes them feel real with everyday problems that women face. Now after reading her memoir I connect more with her and not just as the other of good books. She, like many women, had self doubt and wanted to change the way she was perceived in order to feel like she belonged. She overcame many obstacles and changed her outlook on life. I love learning about authors and how they got their inspiration to write. The way Prowse talks about stories and her character truly shows her passion. The filing cabinet system she has I think is cool. I didn’t know how many books she wrote until I read this and now I want to read her backlist.

Thank you @mrsamandaprowse @netgalley and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

This was such a raw and honest novel! I love her fiction novels so it was really interesting to read her memoir and I felt it really gave insight into the character and stories of her other novels. Amanda did not hold anything back in this novel and often I felt very connected and completely understood what she had gone through during various events in her life. I also loved that she had included photos in the chapters. This novel brought about all of the emotions; connection, tears, understanding of pain and hurt, as well as laughter and not feeling as if you were the only one who dealt with the in life. I enjoyed this very transparent novel of Amanda's and look forward to seeing her in more of her characters and stories to come. Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite and to the author for putting this down for other women to know they are not alone in the struggles in life, and for sending me a free novel!

I first came across this author way back in 2015 when I read a Christmas book called The Christmas Café. I wasn’t a part of Bookstagram or any reading community, but I remember really enjoying it , but back then I never thought of seeking out more of her titles. Fast forward 6 years later to February 2021 and I find another of her books on Netgalley, An Ordinary Life which I read and loved. I then read several other titles by her, each one an absolute gem of a read.

Then one year later in February 2022 I had the absolute honour of interviewing her with Holly as part of our podcast, Speaking LITerally. She was an amazing guest and so inspirational, plus we had so much fun, it felt more like a friendly girly chat than an interview. So, when I saw she was bringing out her memoirs I had to read it, having already heard a small part of her past from our chat.

Women Like Us is not just a memoir, it is an inspirational work to show other women who are struggling with either their weight, self-confidence, addiction or body image that they are not alone and there is always a way forward.

This is potentially one of the most open, raw memoirs I have ever read, the emotions which Amanda pours into this is astounding and she doesn’t leave anything out. Her life story is full of pain (physical and emotional), challenges and hurdles which many of us haven’t experienced and couldn’t imagine. But at the same time, it is also a tale of hope, overcoming and success. It is a beautiful book about how she overcame her issues with food and her body to become the person she is today, as well as many other aspects of her life.

With over 28 novels written and many more under her belt, she is a highly established author who has been published across the world from Europe, South Africa, Australia and beyond and this is a story which all women need to read. I am absolutely honoured to have spoken to her (and seen her adorable dogs on video) and after reading about her life, I have so much more respect and love for her.

There are so many times that women can relate to throughout the book, from heartbreak, to feeling insecure about weight to family issues. I think one of the biggest parts of this title which makes it so important is that this isn’t some A-list celebrity who is living this million-dollar life in a big mansion with 5 holiday homes. It is about a woman who wasn’t born into wealth, had to work hard and had a lot to prove to herself. Amanda Prowse is very relatable and down to earth which is reflected in all her stories and especially her own. There are many books of hers I am yet to read but she is an author I would always go back to and this book, is potentially one of her best books, as it can teach us all so much about how to overcome negative feelings, as well as putting a lot of things in perspective.

Whilst reading this book, there were so many parts which I related to from the struggles with weight (I have always struggled with my weight) to the issues and relationship she has with food. However, there are also many fun, happy times I can relate to, such as her first experience in a library. I too felt the thrill and excitement when first going to my local library. The idea of being able to borrow several books at once and for free was a feeling which never dulled.

As this is a memoir, I don’t want to rate this book, because it isn’t a fictional work. However, what I will say is that whether you have read her previous novels or not, this is a book not to be missed. There are times where you will laugh, other times when you will cry or become annoyed but the feelings of hope and the strive to succeed is so strong in this that it is hard to not take a bit of these feelings away with you. You can tell there were so much heart and soul put into this book and the courage to put yourself out there to this degree is so admirable. Whether you are 20, 30, 40 or older, there will be aspects which you will be able to relate to.

I love Amanda's books - not that I have read them all yet. But this is something else - something far more personal. I found a majority of the book extremely relatable - she could have been writing about me. A very honest and frank account of her life - some of it cannot have been easy to write. Just makes me love her more. Such an engaging read.

I feel like this memoir (mostly) could have been written about me. Constantly worrying about weight is something I found heartbreakingly relatable. I found it touching to be able to share this journey with Amanda and her family. It really is a heart wrenching look into the world of eating disorders, pain, and everything else in between. Must read for anyone who is a fan of memoirs. Amanda’s words will resonate for a long time after you read the last page.